under strict conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under strict conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific sets of rules or guidelines that must be followed. For example, "The company allowed their employees to work from home under strict conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was held at WNYC under strict conditions.

The New York Times

The Montreal suspect was arraigned in youth court on Monday, then released under strict conditions.

The New York Times

The event had taken place in a safe environment and under strict conditions, he said.

The Guardian

Certain games such as billiards and table football are allowed, but under strict conditions.

Independent

Traditional, privately owned Adirondack camps, built on leased land, will be preserved and, under strict conditions, allowed to expand.

The New York Times

In 1984 Pope John Paul II allowed the Tridentine Mass to be celebrated, but only under strict conditions.

The New York Times

It is not clear when Roberts will be freed, something that would take place under strict conditions.

The Guardian

In other places, well-organized charities prepare nutritious and tasty meals in centralized kitchens under strict conditions.

The New York Times

Spain, swamped with mortgage defaults, introduced a measure in March that allows for debt forgiveness, though under strict conditions.

The New York Times

Canada approved Sativex for relieving pain (but not spasms) in MS patients, albeit under strict conditions, in 2005.

The Economist

In early August Mr Draghi said the ECB was prepared to resume bond-buying under strict conditions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under strict conditions", clearly specify what those conditions are to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The experiment was conducted under strict conditions", state "The experiment was conducted under strict conditions: temperature maintained at 25°C, humidity below 60%, and a sterile environment."

Common error

A common mistake is failing to explicitly state what the "strict conditions" actually are. This can lead to misinterpretations and invalidate the statement. Always provide specific details to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under strict conditions" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the circumstances under which an action is permitted or carried out. As Ludwig indicates, it's used to denote adherence to a set of firm rules or regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under strict conditions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes adherence to firm rules or regulations. As Ludwig indicates, its purpose is to impose constraints and emphasize compliance in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. To ensure clarity, it's essential to explicitly define the specific conditions being referenced. While alternatives like "subject to stringent rules" and "governed by firm regulations" exist, "under strict conditions" remains a versatile and widely understood expression for conveying limitations and requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to stringent rules

Replaces "conditions" with "rules" and "strict" with "stringent", emphasizing a firm and unyielding regulatory environment.

governed by firm regulations

Shifts the focus to the governance aspect, highlighting that the conditions are enforced through established regulations.

within tight parameters

Uses a more technical term, "parameters", to suggest a defined set of boundaries or constraints.

with clearly defined limitations

Emphasizes the clarity and explicitness of the restrictions involved.

under close supervision

Focuses on the monitoring aspect, where actions are closely watched to ensure compliance.

bound by rigorous standards

Highlights the high standards that must be met, adding a sense of difficulty and precision.

adhering to a rigid protocol

Replaces conditions with protocol, suggesting adherence to a pre-set, inflexible plan.

according to precise specifications

Conveys the need for exactness and adherence to detailed instructions.

under a binding agreement

Implies that the conditions are part of a formal, enforceable contract.

with mandatory compliance

Highlights that adhering to the conditions is not optional but required.

FAQs

How can I use "under strict conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "under strict conditions" to indicate that something is permitted or allowed only if specific rules or requirements are followed. For example, "The patient was allowed to leave the hospital "under strict conditions", including daily check-ins and medication adherence."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "under strict conditions"?

Alternatives include phrases like "subject to stringent rules", "governed by firm regulations", or "within tight parameters", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "under strict conditions" and "under normal circumstances"?

"Under strict conditions" implies specific requirements and limitations, while "under normal circumstances" refers to typical or usual situations without special restrictions. For example, research conducted "under strict conditions" ensures controlled variables, whereas processes performed "under normal circumstances" reflect everyday operations.

Is it redundant to say "under very strict conditions"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" before "strict" can be seen as redundant. "Strict" already implies a high degree of control and adherence, so saying ""under strict conditions"" is usually sufficient.