B2 Verb Moods 12 min read Medio

Con la condición de que (On Condition That)

Usa on condition that para establecer requisitos claros y formales para que algo suceda. Es para acuerdos serios y estipulaciones estrictas.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

A formal way to say 'only if' that sets a strict requirement for something to happen.

  • Use it to replace 'if' when you want to sound formal or legal. Example: 'I will go on condition that you pay.'
  • Do not use 'will' immediately after the phrase. Example: 'On condition that he arrives (not will arrive).'
  • It connects two clauses: the result and the mandatory requirement.
Result + 📜 + [On condition that] + 🔒 + Requirement

Overview

¿Alguna vez has hecho un trato importante con un amigo? Tal vez le prestaste tu contraseña de Netflix. Pero tenías una regla muy importante.
Dijiste: ¡Puedes usarla, pero no cambies mi perfil!. En inglés formal, usamos on condition that para esto. Es como un contrato verbal.
Es mucho más fuerte que simplemente decir if. Se usa cuando la regla es muy estricta. Piensa en ello como un jefe hablando con un empleado.
O un abogado escribiendo un documento. Suena serio y oficial. Aunque suena elegante, ¡tú también puedes usarlo!
Te hace parecer muy profesional en los correos electrónicos. También te ayuda a entender esas largas páginas de 'Términos y condiciones'. Ya sabes, esas en las que todos hacemos clic en 'Aceptar' sin leer.
Sí, esas. Usar esta frase demuestra que vas en serio. Es el 'modo jefe' de la palabra if.
Pero no la uses para cosas pequeñas como pedir un vaso de agua. Eso podría hacerte parecer un villano de película. '¡Te daré agua, con la condición de que me pagues un dólar!' Relájate, Dr.
Evil.

Formation Pattern

1
El patrón es bastante sencillo una vez que lo ves. No necesitas cambiar mucho los verbos. Solo sigue estos pasos:
2
Empieza con la acción principal o el resultado.
3
Añade la frase on condition that en el medio.
4
Termina con la regla o el requisito específico.
5
Ejemplo: I will go to the party (resultado) on condition that (conector) you drive me home (regla).
6
Fíjate que usamos el tiempo presente para la regla. Decimos you drive, no you will drive. ¡Esto es muy importante! Aunque la fiesta sea mañana, la regla usa el presente simple. Es igual que el primer condicional. Cláusula principal + on condition that + Sujeto + Presente Simple. También puedes poner la condición al principio. On condition that you pay, I will help you. Pero ponerla en medio es más común. Fluye mejor en una conversación. No olvides la palabra that. Algunos la omiten, pero suena mejor con ella. Es como el pegamento que mantiene unida la frase. ¡Sin el pegamento, tu 'contrato' podría desmoronarse!

Clause Structure for 'On Condition That'

Main Clause (Result) Conjunction Conditional Clause (Requirement) Tense Used
I will help you
on condition that
you help me.
Present Simple
They may enter
on condition that
they have a ticket.
Present Simple
He was released
on condition that
he stayed home.
Past Simple
The deal is valid
on condition that
you sign now.
Present Simple
We shall proceed
on condition that
it is safe.
Present Simple

Meanings

A subordinating conjunction used to introduce a condition that must be fulfilled before the main action can take place. It implies a formal agreement or a non-negotiable stipulation.

1

Legal/Contractual Stipulation

Used in formal documents to outline mandatory requirements.

“The loan is granted on condition that the property is insured.”

“The defendant was released on condition that he surrender his passport.”

2

Conditional Permission

Giving someone permission to do something, but only if they follow a specific rule.

“You can borrow the car on condition that you fill the tank.”

“They may stay here on condition that they keep the noise down.”

3

Negotiation

Used during bargaining to set a price or a trade-off.

“We will sign the deal on condition that the price is reduced by 10%.”

“I'll take the job on condition that I can work from home twice a week.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Con la condición de que (On Condition That)
Frase Tono Uso Ejemplo
if
Casual
Condiciones generales
If you go, I go.
on condition that
Formal
Estipulaciones estrictas
I'll go, on condition that you pay.
as long as
Neutro
Tiempo/Duración
Stay as long as you want.
provided that
Formal
Requisitos oficiales
Provided that you arrive on time.
supposing that
Neutro
Imaginario/Teoría
Supposing that you won the lottery?
unless
Neutro
Excepto si
I won't go unless you pay.

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
I shall assist you on condition that I am remunerated.

I shall assist you on condition that I am remunerated. (Financial agreement)

Neutral
I will help you on condition that you pay me.

I will help you on condition that you pay me. (Financial agreement)

Informal
I'll help you if you pay me.

I'll help you if you pay me. (Financial agreement)

Jerga
I'm in, but only if you cough up the cash.

I'm in, but only if you cough up the cash. (Financial agreement)

Cuándo usar 'On Condition That'

Estipulación Formal

Negocios

  • Contrato Job Offer
  • Promoción Brand Deal

Legal

  • Prisionero Release
  • Permiso Permission

Personal

  • Coche Borrowing
  • Contraseña Sharing

Condiciones Casuales vs. Formales

Casual
if If you go, I go.
Formal
on condition that I'll go on condition that you pay.

Eligiendo la Frase Correcta

1

¿Es un trato serio?

YES
Continuar
NO
Usa 'if'
2

¿Hay una regla estricta?

YES
Usa 'On condition that'
NO ↓

Categorías de Uso

📝

Escrito

  • Empleo
  • Préstamos
  • Acuerdos
💬

Hablado

  • Promesas serias
  • Reglas estrictas
  • Acuerdos parentales

Ejemplos por nivel

1

I will go if you go.

I will go if you go.

2

If it rains, we stay home.

If it rains, we stay home.

3

I am happy if you are happy.

I am happy if you are happy.

4

If you eat, you feel better.

If you eat, you feel better.

1

I will help you only if you ask.

I will help you only if you ask.

2

You can play only if you finish your work.

You can play only if you finish your work.

3

We can go out only if the sun shines.

We can go out only if the sun shines.

4

I will buy it only if it is cheap.

I will buy it only if it is cheap.

1

You can borrow my bike provided that you are careful.

You can borrow my bike provided that you are careful.

2

I'll come to the party as long as there is food.

I'll come to the party as long as there is food.

3

They will sign the contract provided that the date is correct.

They will sign the contract provided that the date is correct.

4

You can stay here as long as you pay rent.

You can stay here as long as you pay rent.

1

The grant is awarded on condition that the research is published.

The grant is awarded on condition that the research is published.

2

He was granted bail on condition that he report to the police daily.

He was granted bail on condition that he report to the police daily.

3

I will accept the promotion on condition that my salary increases.

I will accept the promotion on condition that my salary increases.

4

The museum is free on condition that you book in advance.

The museum is free on condition that you book in advance.

1

The merger will proceed on condition that all regulatory hurdles are cleared.

The merger will proceed on condition that all regulatory hurdles are cleared.

2

She agreed to the interview on condition that no personal questions be asked.

She agreed to the interview on condition that no personal questions be asked.

3

The ceasefire was signed on condition that all troops withdraw immediately.

The ceasefire was signed on condition that all troops withdraw immediately.

4

Access to the archives is granted on condition that no copies are made.

Access to the archives is granted on condition that no copies are made.

1

The estate was bequeathed on condition that the heir reside there for six months annually.

The estate was bequeathed on condition that the heir reside there for six months annually.

2

He offered his resignation on condition that his team be spared from the layoffs.

He offered his resignation on condition that his team be spared from the layoffs.

3

The treaty remains in effect on condition that neither party engage in nuclear testing.

The treaty remains in effect on condition that neither party engage in nuclear testing.

4

The witness testified on condition that her anonymity be strictly preserved.

The witness testified on condition that her anonymity be strictly preserved.

Fácil de confundir

On Condition That (Formal Stipulation) vs In case

Learners use 'in case' when they mean 'on condition that'.

On Condition That (Formal Stipulation) vs Unless

Both are strong conditionals, but 'unless' means 'if not'.

On Condition That (Formal Stipulation) vs Provided that

They are almost identical in meaning.

Errores comunes

I go if you will go.

I will go if you go.

Using 'will' in the if-clause is a basic error.

I help you only if you will help me.

I will help you only if you help me.

Even with 'only if', the present simple is needed for the condition.

You can stay on condition you are quiet.

You can stay on condition that you are quiet.

In formal writing, 'that' should not be omitted.

On condition that he will pay, we sign.

On condition that he pays, we sign.

Advanced learners still struggle with tense consistency in formal structures.

Patrones de oraciones

I will ___ on condition that you ___.

The agreement was signed on condition that ___.

Permission is granted on condition that ___.

On condition that ___, I would ___.

Real World Usage

Job Offer very common

We offer you the role on condition that you provide two references.

Legal Bail common

The suspect was released on condition that he stay 500 meters away from the victim.

Software License constant

You may use this software on condition that you do not redistribute it.

Parental Rules occasional

You can have a cookie on condition that you eat your vegetables first.

International Treaties common

The nations agreed to lower tariffs on condition that labor laws were improved.

Academic Grants common

The funding is provided on condition that a report is submitted quarterly.

🎯

El Modo Jefe

Suena como un contrato legal, ¿verdad? Úsalo cuando quieras sonar muy serio sobre un trato.
It sounds like a legal contract. Use it when you want to sound very serious about a deal.
⚠️

La Trampa del 'Will'

¡Ojo! Nunca uses 'will' después de 'on condition that'. Siempre va en presente simple. "Never use 'will' after 'on condition that'. Always use the simple present tense."
💡

Límites Amables

Esta frase es perfecta para poner límites de forma educada, como:
You can borrow my charger, on condition that you stay in the room.

Smart Tips

Replace 'if' with 'on condition that' to make your requirements sound more professional and firm.

I will finish the project if you give me the data. I will finish the project on condition that the data is provided by Monday.

Check the clause immediately after 'on condition that'. If it has 'will', delete it!

On condition that you will arrive on time... On condition that you arrive on time...

Use 'provided that' instead of 'on condition that'. It's just as formal but feels slightly more cooperative.

I'll sign on condition that you pay more. I'll sign provided that the compensation is adjusted.

Ensure both the result and the condition are in the past tense for consistency.

He agreed on condition that she pays. He agreed on condition that she paid.

Pronunciación

/ɒn kənˈdɪʃ.ən ðət/

Linking 'that'

The word 'that' is often reduced to a schwa /ðət/ and linked to 'condition'.

con-DI-tion

Stress on 'Condition'

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'con-DI-tion'.

Rising-Falling

On condition that you PAY ↗, I will GO ↘.

Emphasizes the requirement before the result.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Remember the 'C' in Condition stands for 'Contract'—use it when the deal is serious.

Asociación visual

Imagine a large, wax-sealed scroll (a contract). On the scroll, the word 'IF' is crossed out and replaced with 'ON CONDITION THAT' in gold letters.

Rhyme

If the deal is formal and the rule is flat, use the phrase 'on condition that'.

Story

A king tells a knight he can marry the princess, but only if he slays a dragon. The king doesn't say 'if'; he says 'on condition that' because it's a royal decree and a binding contract.

Word Web

StipulationRequirementContractFormalAgreementProvisionMandatory

Desafío

Write three formal sentences about your dream job using 'on condition that' (e.g., salary, hours, location).

Notas culturales

British speakers often use 'on condition that' to be polite but firm, avoiding direct confrontation while setting clear boundaries.

In the US, this phrase is ubiquitous in contracts (Terms of Service, employment agreements) to protect parties legally.

Used globally in academia for grants and scholarships to ensure research standards are met.

The word 'condition' comes from the Latin 'condicio', meaning 'agreement' or 'stipulation'.

Inicios de conversación

Would you move to another country on condition that you never returned home?

Would you take a high-paying job on condition that you worked 80 hours a week?

Would you share your secrets on condition that you became famous?

Can you borrow money from a friend on condition that you pay interest?

Temas para diario

Describe a deal you once made with a friend or family member using 'on condition that'.
Write a formal letter to a landlord agreeing to rent an apartment, but only if they fix the heating.
Imagine you are a world leader. Write three conditions for a peace treaty with a neighboring country.
Discuss the ethics of 'conditional' charity. Is it okay to give money only on condition that the recipient changes their behavior?

Errores comunes

Incorrect

Correcto


Incorrect

Correcto


Incorrect

Correcto


Incorrect

Correcto

Test Yourself

Completa el espacio en blanco

The boss will give him a bonus on condition that he ___ the project today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: finishes
Usa el presente simple después de 'on condition that', incluso para eventos futuros.
¿Qué oración es correcta? Opción múltiple

Elige la oración gramaticalmente correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will lend you the book on condition that you return it next week.
Esta oración sigue correctamente el patrón 'Acción + on condition that + Regla'.
Encuentra y corrige el error Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

You can use my Netflix on condition that you will not change the settings.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You can use my Netflix on condition that you do not change the settings.
El error en la oración original era usar 'will not change'. Siempre usa el presente.

Score: /3

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

I will lend you my car on condition that you ___ (drive) carefully.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
We use the present simple after 'on condition that' for future requirements.
Which sentence is the most formal? Opción múltiple

Choose the best option for a business contract.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
'On condition that' combined with 'shall' and passive voice is the most formal.
Find the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

He was allowed to go on condition that he will return by ten.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
The future 'will' cannot be used in the conditional clause. It should be 'returns' or 'returned'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'on condition that'. Sentence Transformation

I will only sign if you increase the salary.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
This correctly replaces 'only if' with the formal 'on condition that' using the present simple.
Match the situation to the correct phrase. Match Pairs

Match the register to the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: d
Each phrase fits the specific register described.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

You can use 'on condition that' to talk about hypothetical/imaginary situations like 'If I were a cat'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
'On condition that' is for real stipulations and agreements, not imaginary hypotheticals.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

Boss: 'You can take Friday off.' Employee: 'Really? Thank you!' Boss: '___ you finish the report by Thursday.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
The boss is setting a formal requirement for the time off.
Which of these words are synonyms for 'on condition that'? Grammar Sorting

Select the group of synonyms.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
These all introduce conditions that must be met.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Completa el espacio en blanco Completar huecos

They offered me the job ___ I moved to London.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: on condition that
Corrige el error Error Correction

I will go to the party on condition that you will come with me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will go to the party on condition that you come with me.
Reordena la oración Sentence Reorder

phone / discount / on condition that / buy / I / will / give / you / me / a

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will buy the phone on condition that you give me a discount.
Traduce al inglés Traducción

Er stimmte zu zu helfen, unter der Bedingung, dass wir ihn bezahlten.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He agreed to help on condition that we paid him.
Elige la mejor oración Opción múltiple

Which of these sounds most professional?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The store accepts returns on condition that you have the receipt.
Une los significados similares Match Pairs

Match the formal condition phrases:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["on condition that","provided that"]
Completa el espacio en blanco Completar huecos

The player joins the team on condition that he ___ healthy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: stays
Encuentra el error Error Correction

The city permits the protest on condition that it will remain peaceful.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The city permits the protest on condition that it remains peaceful.
Reordena la oración Sentence Reorder

sample / review / on condition that / send / we / will / post / you / a

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: On condition that you post a review, we will send the sample.
Elige la oración correcta Opción múltiple

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will give you my number on condition that you do not call after 10 PM.

Score: /10

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

Yes, you can. For example: 'On condition that you pay for the parts, I will fix your bike.' It places more emphasis on the requirement.

Yes, both 'on condition that' and 'on the condition that' are acceptable and mean the same thing. The version without 'the' is slightly more common in legal writing.

They are very similar. 'On condition that' is slightly more formal and emphasizes a strict 'stipulation.' 'Provided that' is common in both formal and neutral English.

In English, we don't use the future tense in subordinate clauses of time or condition. We use the present simple to represent the future in these cases.

It might sound a bit too formal or even 'bossy' in a casual text. Use 'if' or 'as long as' with friends unless you are joking.

Yes. 'He agreed to the deal on condition that they paid him upfront.' Both clauses move into the past.

If the 'on condition that' clause comes first, use a comma. If it comes second, you usually don't need one.

It is used in both! It is a standard feature of formal English worldwide.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

a condición de que

Spanish requires the subjunctive mood; English uses the indicative.

French high

à condition que

French requires the subjunctive mood.

German moderate

unter der Bedingung, dass

German requires subordinate clause word order (verb at the end).

Japanese moderate

...という条件で (...to iu jouken de)

Japanese uses a noun-modifying structure rather than a conjunction.

Arabic high

بشرط أن (bi-shart an)

Arabic often uses the present subjunctive (mansub) after 'an'.

Chinese partial

在...条件下 (zài... tiáojiàn xià)

Chinese uses a prepositional phrase structure rather than a clause connector.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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