under certain conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

"under certain conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or requirement for something to occur, for example: "Access to this service will be granted under certain conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My answer is yes — under certain conditions.

The New York Times

"The federation should sell the rights under certain conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, of course, but only under certain conditions.

The Guardian - Business

Disadvantages can become advantages only under certain conditions.

Harvard Business Review

The price may be adjusted under certain conditions.

The New York Times

Under certain conditions, these prions spontaneously form highly stable fibrils.

MIT Technology Review

Under certain conditions, making concessions is part of this.

The New York Times - Books

It will probably be granted, he said, under certain conditions.

The New York Times

Open modes are effective only under certain conditions.

Harvard Business Review

Under certain conditions, these dispersed particles can combine into crystals.

Princeton University

Yes under certain conditions, please see chart below.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under certain conditions" to introduce a specific set of requirements that must be met for a particular outcome to occur. This phrase adds precision and clarity to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "under certain conditions" without clearly stating what those conditions are. Failing to specify the conditions can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under certain conditions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the circumstances in which an action or statement is valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase introduces conditionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under certain conditions" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce conditionality into a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its frequency across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia highlights its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the conditions are clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "subject to specific conditions" or "contingent upon certain factors" to refine your expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "under certain conditions" to add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided that certain criteria are met

Stresses the necessity of fulfilling particular requirements.

conditional on certain terms

Underscores the dependency on explicit conditions being in effect.

subject to specific conditions

Focuses on the idea that the conditions are outlined and must be followed precisely.

only if particular requirements are satisfied

Emphasizes that the action is only possible when the needs are fulfilled.

contingent upon certain factors

Highlights that the result is dependent on specific elements or variables.

when specific prerequisites are fulfilled

Highlights the necessity of fulfilling particular requirements beforehand.

given specific parameters

Indicates that there are defined limits or guidelines that affect the outcome.

depending on the circumstances

Emphasizes that the outcome varies based on the situation at hand.

assuming some qualifications are adhered to

Suggests a precondition that needs to be followed for the event to occur.

with the understanding that certain stipulations apply

Implies a formal agreement where certain terms are in place.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "under certain conditions" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "subject to specific conditions" or "contingent upon certain factors".

When is it appropriate to use "under certain conditions" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to specify that something is only true or permissible if particular requirements or circumstances are in place. It's useful in contracts, agreements, and scientific explanations.

What's the difference between "under certain conditions" and "in some cases"?

"Under certain conditions" implies specific and often predefined requirements, while "in some cases" suggests a more general possibility without necessarily defining precise criteria.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "under certain conditions"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "under certain conditions" can effectively set the context by immediately establishing the conditional nature of the statement that follows.