when certain conditions apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when certain conditions apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a statement or rule is only valid under specific circumstances. Example: "The discount is available when certain conditions apply, such as a minimum purchase amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The authors explain that businesses are most vulnerable to spontaneous deregulation when certain conditions hold.

Harvard Business Review

As always with eyebrow-raising offers, certain conditions apply.

The New York Times

Certain conditions apply to the operators (mathcal {L}) and (mathcal {M}).

Materials Theory

Even when applied to a specific situation this involves considering what generally happens when certain conditions are present.

SEP

Code embedded in a legitimate program that is set to explode when certain conditions are met.

Johns Hopkins University

Smart contracts could be designed that only execute when certain conditions are met, including funding.

Forbes

This code, generally referred to as a "smart contract", executes automatically when certain conditions are met.

Huffington Post

"It begs the question why they are not going into Portland, when certain conditions were attached.

Los Angeles Times

The risk of this happening is magnified several fold when certain conditions exist.

HuffPost

This zeroing of some of the state coordinates is applied when certain condition holds.

Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática Industrial RIAI

When these conditions apply, you have only two strategic choices -- to cave or to crush them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when certain conditions apply", be explicit about what those conditions are to avoid ambiguity. This ensures clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "when certain conditions apply" without detailing what those conditions actually are. Vague references can lead to confusion and invalidate the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when certain conditions apply" functions as an introductory clause that sets a specific context. It indicates that the following statement or action is contingent on particular circumstances being met. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when certain conditions apply" serves as a qualifier, indicating that a statement or rule is only valid under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. While there are no exact matches in the provided examples, its absence doesn't negate its correctness, as affirmed by Ludwig. For clarity in writing, it's best to specify what those conditions are. Alternatives such as "under specific circumstances" or "subject to particular terms" may be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under specific circumstances

Emphasizes the particular set of circumstances required.

subject to particular terms

Highlights that specific terms and agreements must be met.

if the criteria are satisfied

Focuses on the fulfillment of specific criteria.

contingent upon fulfillment of requirements

Stresses the dependency on meeting specific requirements.

provided that stipulations are met

Focuses on stipulations needing to be satisfied.

only if prerequisites are satisfied

Highlights the necessary prerequisites.

given certain provisions

Highlights the existence of particular provisions.

dependent on the situation

Shifts the emphasis to situational variance.

with the understanding that certain factors are present

Emphasizes the presence of specific influencing factors.

where applicable standards are followed

Focuses on the necessity of following standards.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "under specific circumstances", "subject to particular terms", or "contingent upon fulfillment of requirements".

What does "when certain conditions apply" actually mean?

It means that a statement, rule, or agreement is only valid or effective if specific requirements, stipulations, or circumstances are in place. Essentially, there are prerequisites that must be met.

Is it better to list the conditions instead of saying "when certain conditions apply"?

Yes, providing a list of conditions is generally better for clarity. Saying "when certain conditions apply" without specifying them can be vague and unhelpful. Be specific whenever possible.

What's a less formal alternative to "when certain conditions apply"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "it depends", "if certain things are true", or "depending on the situation".