sufficient condition

USAGE SUMMARY

"sufficient condition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that a particular condition or set of conditions must be fulfilled in order to achieve a certain goal or result. Example sentence: Passing the final exam is a sufficient condition for graduating from college.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is not however a sufficient condition".

The Economist

However, this is not a sufficient condition.

Nature

But it is also a sufficient condition.

Yale University

Again, information is a necessary but not sufficient condition here.

Harvard Business Review

A new sufficient condition is proposed.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

That's a necessary but not a sufficient condition.

Yale University

A necessary and sufficient condition for stability is obtained.

Automatica

Sufficient condition for robust stability with H∞ performance is obtained.

Acta Automatica Sinica

A sufficient condition for closed-loop asymptotic stability is derived.

ISA Transactions

A sufficient condition is drawn for the synchronization.

Physics Letters A

A sufficient condition is provided to solve the above problem.

Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always distinguish a "sufficient condition" from a "necessary condition". Remember that while a sufficient condition guarantees a result, it is not always the only way to achieve it.

Common error

Avoid the mistake of treating a "sufficient condition" as the only requirement. For example, if 'raining' is a "sufficient condition" for the ground being wet, it does not mean it is the only way the ground can get wet (someone could use a hose).

Linguistic Context

In linguistic and logical terms, "sufficient condition" acts as a complex noun phrase that establishes a conditional relationship. It identifies a specific state or action that, when realized, ensures the fulfillment of a consequence. According to Ludwig, it often serves as the subject or a predicative nominative in sentences discussing causality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Conversational English

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sufficient condition" is an essential tool for clear and logical writing. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its usage is concentrated in Formal and Scientific environments where distinguishing between 'enough to cause' and 'required to cause' is critical. Unlike a "necessary condition", a "sufficient condition" acts as a guarantee: if it is met, the result follows automatically. However, writers should remain cautious not to imply that it is the only way to achieve that result. Whether you are drafting a research paper or a complex business analysis, employing this phrase correctly ensures your arguments are logically sound and your causal claims are precisely defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate condition

suggests a level of fitness or suitability that is just enough for the purpose

guaranteeing factor

emphasizes the certainty that the outcome will follow if the condition is met

satisfactory prerequisite

focuses on the necessity of meeting the condition before moving forward

conclusive proof

shifts the context from a general condition to an evidentiary or argumentative setting

enough requirement

uses less formal language to describe the same logical relationship

decisive element

stresses the importance of the factor in making a final determination

standalone trigger

implies that this condition alone can set off the resulting event

effective cause

focuses on the causal power of the condition rather than its logical status

valid justification

frames the condition as a reason for a belief or an action

absolute determinant

suggests a more rigid and uncompromising relationship between cause and effect

FAQs

What is the difference between a "necessary condition" and a "sufficient condition"?

A "necessary condition" must be present for an event to occur, while a "sufficient condition" is one that, if present, "guarantees" the event will occur.

Can I use "enough condition" instead of "sufficient condition"?

While "enough" is a synonym, it sounds less professional in formal writing. You might consider using "adequate condition" if you want to vary your word choice without losing technical accuracy.

Is "sufficient condition" formal?

Yes, it is highly formal and most common in scientific papers, legal documents and philosophical treatises as seen in the examples from Ludwig.

How do I use "sufficient condition" in a sentence?

You can use it to define logical relationships, such as: "Having a passport is a "sufficient condition" for proving your identity at the border".