Under specific conditions
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to protect yourself from making absolute promises you might not be able to keep.
En 15 secondes
- A professional way to say 'it depends' or 'maybe'.
- Used to limit responsibility and set clear boundaries.
- Perfect for business, science, and cautious social promises.
Signification
This phrase is a clever way to say 'maybe' or 'it depends' without sounding lazy. It means something will only happen if very specific rules or situations are met first.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Negotiating a project deadline
We can finish by Friday under specific conditions regarding the budget.
We can finish by Friday if the budget is right.
Talking about a sports team
They could win the championship, but only under specific conditions.
They might win if everything goes perfectly.
A scientific explanation
Water will boil at a lower temperature under specific conditions of altitude.
Water boils differently depending on how high you are.
Contexte culturel
This phrase originates from legal and scientific discourse where absolute certainty is rare. In English-speaking cultures, using 'hedging' language like this is seen as a sign of high intelligence and professional caution. It became a staple of 'corporate speak' in the late 20th century as a way to manage expectations.
The 'Power Play' Move
Use this phrase when you want to sound like the person in charge. It implies that YOU are the one setting the conditions.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a computer. Save it for points that actually need a disclaimer.
En 15 secondes
- A professional way to say 'it depends' or 'maybe'.
- Used to limit responsibility and set clear boundaries.
- Perfect for business, science, and cautious social promises.
What It Means
Think of this as a safety net for your promises. When you say under specific conditions, you are setting boundaries. You aren't saying 'yes' or 'no' yet. You are saying 'only if things go exactly right.' It is like a protective shield for your reputation. It tells people you are careful and detail-oriented.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start or end of your claim. It acts as a 'hedge' to soften the impact. Use it when you want to agree but need to keep an exit strategy. It sounds much smarter than saying 'I don't know.' For example, tell a friend you'll help them move under specific conditions. This usually means they must provide free pizza and beer first.
When To Use It
This is your best friend in professional settings. Use it during negotiations or when making predictions. It works perfectly in emails when you cannot guarantee a result. Use it when discussing science, laws, or complex plans. It also works in casual life when you want to sound slightly dramatic or jokingly serious. It shows you have high standards for your time and energy.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase during a romantic proposal or a deep apology. Saying 'I love you under specific conditions' is a fast way to end a relationship. Do not use it when a simple 'yes' is required for safety. If a doctor asks if you are allergic to nuts, don't hedge. Keep it away from high-emotion moments where people need directness. Using it too much can make you sound like a lawyer who is hiding something.
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in business, loves precision and liability protection. This phrase comes from the world of contracts and scientific research. It reflects a cultural value of 'reading the fine print.' It has become popular because people want to avoid being 'canceled' or blamed for mistakes. It shows a shift toward more cautious, calculated communication in the digital age.
Common Variations
Under certain circumstances(slightly more vague)Subject to conditions(very formal and legal)Depending on the situation(more casual and common)With some caveats(sounds very academic and intellectual)Only if the stars align(the funny, sarcastic version)
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits firmly in the 'formal' to 'neutral' register. It is highly effective in professional writing to avoid over-promising, but use it sparingly in casual speech to avoid sounding cold.
The 'Power Play' Move
Use this phrase when you want to sound like the person in charge. It implies that YOU are the one setting the conditions.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a computer. Save it for points that actually need a disclaimer.
The British 'Maybe'
In the UK, this is often a polite way of saying 'probably not.' If a Brit says this, check their facial expression carefully!
Exemples
6We can finish by Friday under specific conditions regarding the budget.
We can finish by Friday if the budget is right.
Sets a boundary for the workload.
They could win the championship, but only under specific conditions.
They might win if everything goes perfectly.
Adds a layer of expert doubt.
Water will boil at a lower temperature under specific conditions of altitude.
Water boils differently depending on how high you are.
Used for factual accuracy.
I will do the dishes, but only under specific conditions involving you buying dessert.
I'll clean if you buy me a treat.
Uses formal language for a funny, sarcastic effect.
I'll come tonight under specific conditions (no loud music!).
I'm coming only if it's not too loud.
Softens a demand to make it sound like a joke.
I am willing to see him, but only under specific conditions for my peace of mind.
I'll see him if I feel safe and calm.
Sets a serious emotional boundary.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional email.
The software will run smoothly ___, such as having enough RAM.
This phrase correctly identifies that the software's performance depends on hardware requirements.
Which phrase adds a 'hedge' to the following claim?
The economy will recover next year ___.
Using this phrase makes the speaker sound more realistic and less like they are guessing.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Hedging
Used with friends
It depends...
Standard conversation
Depending on the situation...
Business and Academic
Under specific conditions...
Legal contracts
Subject to the terms and conditions herein...
When to use 'Under Specific Conditions'
Job Interview
I can relocate under specific conditions.
Scientific Lab
The chemical reacts under specific conditions.
Negotiating with Kids
You get iPad time under specific conditions.
Weather Forecast
Snow is possible under specific conditions.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot if you are using it ironically! Using under specific conditions with a friend about something silly like 'I'll go to the gym' makes you sound funny and dramatic.
It depends is general and a bit vague. Under specific conditions suggests there is a very precise list of requirements that must be met.
Yes, it is excellent for academic writing. It shows you understand that theories or results aren't always true in every single case.
Essentially, yes. However, under specific conditions sounds more professional and authoritative than only if.
Usually, yes. You can follow it with such as... or including... to clarify exactly what you mean.
Almost. Certain is slightly more mysterious, while specific sounds like you have a very clear checklist in mind.
Yes. For example, He only gets angry under specific conditions. This implies he is usually calm unless triggered by something exact.
Yes! Hedging is when you use words to avoid being 100% committed to a statement, which is very common in English business culture.
Both are used, but under is much more common when referring to rules or requirements. In is often used for physical environments.
You can say if the timing is right or if everything goes to plan to sound more relaxed.
Expressions liées
With strings attached
An offer that comes with hidden or difficult requirements.
Provided that
A formal way to say 'if' or 'on the condition that'.
A tall order
A request that is very difficult to fulfill without perfect conditions.
In a vacuum
Thinking about something without considering outside conditions.
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