Under the Condition vs. On the Condition – Which is Correct?
Both “under the condition” and “on the condition” are grammatically correct, but they are not interchangeable. Use “on the condition that” to state a requirement or agreement—“I’ll agree on the condition that you apologize.” Use “under the condition(s) that” for circumstances or terms governing action, often in formal writing.
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Under the Condition or On the Condition — Which Is Correct?
Both expressions are correct, but “on the condition that” is usually the more natural choice when introducing a specific requirement. It means provided that or only if.
“Under the condition that” is also grammatical, but it tends to sound more formal and emphasizes the circumstances, rules, or terms governing an action. The plural form, “under the conditions that”, is especially common when several circumstances are involved.
In many everyday sentences, “on the condition that” is preferable:
- “The landlord agreed to the arrangement on the condition that the rent was paid in advance.”
- “The permit was granted under the condition that the company followed all safety regulations.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the agreement test: if someone is making a deal, promise, offer, or agreement, choose “on the condition that.” Think of a person saying, “I will do this on the condition that you do that.”
Use the circumstances test for “under the condition that.” If the phrase describes the rules or circumstances under which something happens, “under” is often appropriate.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| on the condition that | Conjunctional phrase | Provided that; only if | She accepted the offer on the condition that the schedule remained flexible. |
| under the condition that | Conjunctional phrase | Subject to specified circumstances or terms | The equipment may be used under the condition that it is inspected weekly. |
How to Use Under the Condition
“Under the condition that” introduces a circumstance, rule, restriction, or set of terms that controls what may happen. It is grammatically correct but generally more formal and less conversational than “on the condition that.” In formal documents, policies, contracts, and official reports, writers often use it to emphasize compliance with requirements.
The plural form, “under the conditions that,” is also possible when several circumstances apply. However, “under the condition that” can sound awkward when the sentence simply describes a personal bargain. In that context, “on the condition that” is usually clearer.
Example 1: The laboratory may reopen under the condition that all safety violations are corrected.
Example 2: The workers were permitted to enter the site under the condition that they wore protective equipment.
Example 3: The agreement remains valid under the conditions that both parties meet their financial obligations.
Etymology of the phrase under the condition
Under comes from Old English under, meaning beneath or subject to. Condition entered English through Anglo-French and Latin roots associated with a state, situation, or stipulation. Together, “under the condition” developed the sense of being subject to a particular circumstance or requirement.
How to Use On the Condition
“On the condition that” is used to express a requirement attached to an agreement, promise, permission, offer, or decision. It means that one action will occur only if another condition is satisfied. This is the most natural expression in ordinary conversation and is also common in formal writing.
The phrase can be followed by a full clause beginning with that:
- “We will approve the request on the condition that the documents are submitted today.”
- “He agreed to help on the condition that his name was included in the report.”
It can also appear as “on the condition of” before a noun or noun phrase, although this construction is less common in everyday speech:
- “The donation was made on the condition of complete confidentiality.”
Example 1: The publisher accepted the manuscript on the condition that the final chapter was revised.
Example 2: I will lend you the car on the condition that you return it before midnight.
Example 3: The committee approved the project on the condition that its environmental impact was monitored.
Etymology of the phrase on the condition
On comes from Old English and has long expressed association, dependence, or a basis for an action. Condition comes through Anglo-French from Latin condicio, meaning an agreement, circumstance, or stipulation. The phrase “on the condition” came to describe an action dependent on a stated requirement.
Related Concepts
Understanding conditional language and prepositional phrases makes the distinction between these expressions easier to recognize.
- Conditional clauses: A conditional clause states a condition that must be met for another action or result to occur. It often begins with if, unless, or provided that.
- Prepositional phrases: “Under the condition” and “on the condition” begin with prepositions that contribute different meanings. “Under” emphasizes circumstances or control, while “on” emphasizes dependence or a requirement.
- Provided that: This phrase is a close synonym for “on the condition that” and is often a concise alternative in formal and everyday writing.
- Subject to: “Subject to” is commonly used in legal, administrative, and professional writing to introduce rules or requirements, much like “under the condition that.”
Examples from Media and Literature
These examples reflect the kinds of contexts in which each expression commonly appears in books, films, journalism, and official writing:
- Contracts and legal dramas: A character may accept a settlement “on the condition that” the details remain confidential.
- Historical fiction: A ruler may grant permission “on the condition that” a soldier returns before dawn.
- News reports: A source may speak to journalists “on the condition that” their identity is not disclosed.
- Government and policy documents: A program may operate “under the condition that” participants meet specific eligibility requirements.
- Science and technology writing: An experiment may be considered reliable “under the conditions that” temperature, pressure, and timing remain controlled.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence: under the condition that or on the condition that.
- The company agreed to the merger ______ the two offices remained independent.
- The device may be operated ______ all users receive proper training.
- She agreed to give an interview ______ her name was not published.
- The animals were released ______ their habitat was monitored regularly.
- He accepted the invitation ______ he could bring a guest.
Answer Key
- on the condition that — This describes a specific term of the merger agreement.
- under the condition that — This emphasizes the rule governing operation of the device.
- on the condition that — This is a personal requirement attached to an agreement.
- under the condition that — This describes the circumstances governing the animals’ release.
- on the condition that — This expresses a requirement attached to accepting the invitation.
Under the Condition Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| subject to | Dependent on a rule, requirement, or circumstance |
| within the terms of | In accordance with specified requirements or provisions |
| in circumstances where | During or because of particular circumstances |
| provided that | Only if a stated requirement is satisfied |
On the Condition Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| provided that | If and only if a particular requirement is met |
| as long as | If a stated condition continues to be true |
| contingent on | Dependent on a future event or requirement |
| provided | On the condition that; assuming that |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “under the condition that” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Under the condition that” is grammatically correct and is generally used for circumstances, restrictions, or rules. It is often more formal than “on the condition that.”
Question 2: Is “on the condition that” more common?
Yes. “On the condition that” is usually more natural when describing a personal agreement, offer, promise, or requirement. It closely means “provided that” or “only if.”
Question 3: Can I use “under the condition” and “on the condition” interchangeably?
Sometimes, but not always. Both can introduce a requirement, yet “on” focuses on an agreement or stipulation, while “under” focuses on the circumstances or framework governing an action.
Conclusion
Both “under the condition that” and “on the condition that” are correct. Choose “on the condition that” for a specific term in an agreement, and choose “under the condition that” when emphasizing the circumstances, rules, or restrictions surrounding an action. Pro Tip: In professional writing, selecting the more precise expression strengthens clarity and protects your credibility.
