On Condition That (Formal Stipulation)

This grammar point connects two ideas. The first idea is the result. The second idea is the requirement. You can think of it as a trade. You give something, and you get something. But there is a catch! You only get the result if the requirement is 100% true. In simple English, we use if. In formal English, we use on condition that. It makes the requirement feel much stronger. It is like saying, "This is the only way!" It is very common in business. You might hear it in a job interview. You might see it in a rental agreement for an apartment. It is a way to protect yourself. It makes sure everyone knows the rules. It is like a handshake in a sentence.

1. 1To build this sentence, follow these simple steps:
2. 2Start with the main action or result. For example: You can use my car.
3. 3Add the magic phrase: on condition that.
4. 4Add the person and the rule. For example: you pay for the gas.
5. 5Put it all together: You can use my car on condition that you pay for the gas.
6. 6Remember, the part after that must be a full sentence. It needs a subject and a verb. Also, keep the verb simple. Usually, we use the present tense for the rule. We do not use will after the word that. It sounds a bit like a robot, but a very polite and professional robot.

Use this when the situation is serious. Here are some real-world moments for you:

• Job Interviews: "We will hire you on condition that you pass the test."
• Legal Agreements: "You can stay here on condition that you pay rent on time."
• Big Promises: "I will help you on condition that you tell the truth."
• Ordering Food (Formal): "I will take the salad on condition that the dressing is on the side."
• Asking Directions: "I will follow your map on condition that it is the fastest way."

It is perfect for when you want to sound firm. It shows you have a boundary. It shows you are serious about the deal. If you use it while playing with a puppy, it might be too much! But at the office? It is perfect.

Do not use this for casual, everyday things. If you are talking to your best friend about pizza, don't use it.

• Too Formal: "I will eat pizza on condition that it has cheese."
• Better: "I will eat pizza if it has cheese."

Also, do not use it if there is no real "deal." If you are just describing a fact, use if or when. This phrase needs a stipulation. A stipulation is just a fancy word for a "must-have rule." If there is no "must," don't use this phrase. It is like wearing a tuxedo to the beach. It just feels a bit weird and too fancy for the sand.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! The most common mistake is adding will in the second part.

• ✗ Wrong: "I will go on condition that you will come too."
• ✓ Correct: "I will go on condition that you come too."

Another mistake is forgetting the word that. You need all three words: on, condition, and that. They are a team. Do not break them up! Some people also try to say on the condition that. This is actually okay! It is just a little bit longer. But on condition that is the most common formal version. Finally, don't use it for things that already happened. It is for the future or for general rules.

How is this different from if? If is a general-purpose tool. It is like a hammer. You can use it for everything. On condition that is like a laser-guided screwdriver. It is for specific, professional tasks.

• If: "If you help me, I will be happy." (Friendly and simple)
• On condition that: "I will sign the paper on condition that you pay me today." (Serious and legal)

It is also similar to provided that. They are almost the same! Provided that is also formal. You can use them interchangeably. However, on condition that feels a little bit stricter. It focuses more on the "rule" itself.