proviso

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "proviso" is correct and usable in written English.
Typically, you can use the word "proviso" when you want to specify a restriction or condition for something. For example, "The loan provides funding for up to $10,000, with the proviso that the money must be used for purchasing business equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even in the UK, more people supported than opposed military action (but with the proviso of a UN resolution and evidence of weapons of mass destruction).

The Guardian

The picture is complex: England has lost 30% of its arts council budget, but with the proviso that only 15% should be passed on to "frontline" arts organisations.

The Guardian

They did so for free; the only proviso being that the local authority should stage a conference to discuss findings.

The Guardian

Given that his overriding proviso for the project was not to hurt her, it is her reaction that must count the most.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These findings come with a proviso, however.

The Economist

Legislation on the central bank, which includes a proviso allowing it to buy government debt on secondary markets, one of the issues discussed by Mr Belka, is now being worked on by the government.Mr Belka, a former prime minister, IMF official and head of the central bank since 2010, has scrambled to explain himself.

The Economist

What Germany wants, Germany gets, with one proviso: a new treaty must be ratified by all 27 members of the club.

The Economist

Any individual or any organisation can give as much soft money as they want to a political party to promote candidates for office, with the sole proviso that the party may not, under any circumstances, suggest people actually vote for the candidate.

The Economist

And there was a second, even more crucial proviso: any borrowing from private lenders will be counted as public spending.

The Economist

A country that houses a global banking system has a severe domestic credit shortfall.The Bank of England and the Treasury have tried to loosen the taps through a "funding for lending" scheme, which provides lenders with cheap cash on the proviso they pass it on to households or firms.

The Economist

It suggests that Britain is less anti-Semitic than most other big European countries, and that, across the continent (including in Britain), Muslims are much more unpopular than Jews.Within Britain, the data on anti-Semitic attacks also turn out to be quietly encouraging, albeit with the proviso that much hate crime goes unreported.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proviso" to introduce key limitations or requirements, making them explicit and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "proviso" simply as a lead-in to any statement. It should specifically introduce a condition or limitation, not just general information. For general introductions, use phrases like "it is important to note that" or "consider that" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "proviso" is as a noun, typically used to introduce a condition, stipulation, or qualification to an agreement or statement. Ludwig's examples show its usage in news articles and academic texts to denote specific terms or restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "proviso" is a frequently used term to introduce conditions, stipulations, or qualifications. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is grammatically correct and well-established. It commonly appears in news articles, academic texts, and formal documents, serving to clarify the scope and applicability of statements. To ensure clarity, always link the "proviso" directly to the main agreement it modifies and avoid using it as a general introduction. Alternatives such as "stipulation", "condition", and "qualification" offer similar meanings depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stipulation

Emphasizes a specific demand or condition that must be met.

condition

Highlights a necessary requirement for an agreement or action.

qualification

Focuses on limiting or modifying the scope of a statement.

caveat

Introduces a warning or limitation to a general statement.

restriction

Indicates a limitation or constraint placed on something.

provision

Highlights a specific term or condition within an agreement.

precondition

Emphasizes a condition that must be satisfied before another action can occur.

understanding

Suggests a mutual agreement or assumption.

term

Refers to a specific condition agreed upon in a contract or agreement.

exception

Highlights a case where a general rule does not apply.

FAQs

How do I use "proviso" in a sentence?

Use "proviso" to introduce a condition, qualification, or stipulation to an agreement or statement. For example, "The project will proceed, with the "proviso" that all environmental regulations are met."

What is a good alternative to "proviso"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "stipulation", "condition", or "qualification". Each of these emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the restriction or requirement.

What's the difference between "proviso" and "condition"?

"Condition" is a broader term referring to any requirement that must be met. "Proviso" is more specific, implying a formal stipulation or qualification added to an agreement. A "condition" is a general requirement, while a "proviso" is a formal, often legal, condition.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "proviso"?

While grammatically possible, it's more common to introduce the "proviso" within the main sentence or clause to which it applies for clarity. Starting a sentence with "proviso" might sound awkward and less clear.