Making Deals: Provided That & Providing That
Provided That for powerful, formal conditions that leave no room for doubt.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'provided that' to set a firm, specific condition for an agreement or a future event to happen.
- Use 'provided that' for strict conditions: 'You can go, provided that you finish your homework.'
- Use the present simple for future conditions: 'I'll help, provided that he asks nicely.'
- The word 'that' is optional in spoken English: 'I'll go provided you pay for gas.'
Overview
These words mean "if". Use them for a strong rule.
This rule is very important. You must follow it.
People use these in formal writing. It means "only if".
These words sound professional. They are for official rules.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
We will launch the product in May, provided that testing is completed successfully.
You are welcome to bring a guest, providing that you RSVP for two people.
Provided that testing is completed successfully, we will launch the product in May.
Providing that you RSVP for two people, you are welcome to bring a guest.
will + V) | provided that | Present Simple | The bank will approve the loan, provided that your credit score is high enough. |
providing that | Present Simple | Access is granted, providing that the user has valid credentials. |
When To Use It
provided that eliminates ambiguity.The tenant is permitted to keep a pet, provided that an additional security deposit of $500 is paid.A full refund will be issued, providing that the goods are returned in their original, unopened packaging within 14 days.This license shall automatically renew, provided that the licensee is not in breach of any terms.
We can offer a 15% discount, provided that the order exceeds 1,000 units.(This is a firm offer, not an opening for negotiation.)Employees may work from home on Fridays, providing that their performance metrics remain above the team average.The investment will be released in stages, provided the project meets its quarterly milestones.
The formula yields an accurate prediction, provided that the input variables are within the normal range.This conclusion is generalizable to the wider population, providing that the sample is truly random.The software will run on any machine, provided it has at least 16GB of RAM.
You can have the car this weekend, provided that you've finished all your homework and chores by Saturday morning.(This sounds more formal and less negotiable thanif.)Entrance to the national park is free, provided that visitors arrive before 8:00 AM.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect:
I'll come to your party, provided that you have good snacks.(This sounds like a contractual demand, not a friendly chat.) - Natural:
I'll come to your party! Will there be good snacks?orI'll come if you have good snacks!
- Incorrect:
We will sign the agreement, providing that the final review will be positive. - Correct:
We will sign the agreement, providing that the final review is positive.
Provided That with As Long AsProvided That / Providing That | As Long As |You can borrow my laptop, provided that you return it by 5 PM. | You can use my Netflix account as long as you pay half the bill. |- Incorrect:
Provided that all members are present the meeting will begin. - Correct:
Provided that all members are present, the meeting will begin.
Real Conversations
Though formal, you'll encounter these phrases in modern, real-world contexts where precision matters.
1. At Work (An Email from a Manager)
Subject
Hi Alex,
I can approve the additional $2,000 for the marketing campaign, providing that you submit a revised breakdown showing exactly how the extra funds will be allocated. Please get that to me by end of day tomorrow.
Thanks,
Sarah
2. In an Academic Setting (A Professor's Instructions)
During a lecture, a professor might clarify the rules for a final paper:
"For this essay, you are permitted to use outside sources. However, you will only receive full credit provided that every source is correctly cited according to the MLA 9th edition style guide. There will be no exceptions."
3. In a Service Agreement (e.g., Phone Plan)
A clause in a terms of service document:
The customer is entitled to a free device upgrade after 24 months, provided that their account is in good standing and all previous bills have been paid on time.
4. A Serious Personal Discussion (e.g., Between Roommates)
When a casual agreement isn't working, one person might formalize the terms:
"Look, I'm happy to keep living together, but only on certain conditions. I'll agree to renew the lease, provided that we create a formal cleaning schedule and stick to it. It has to be fair for both of us."
Quick FAQ
provided that and providing that?In 99% of modern contexts, there is no difference in meaning. They are interchangeable. Provided that is statistically more common and seen as the default, especially in very formal writing, but providing that is perfectly correct and widely understood.
that?Yes, you can almost always omit that (provided you agree, providing it works). This makes the phrase slightly less formal but is extremely common in business and academic writing. In the most formal legal contexts, that is usually retained for maximum clarity and tradition.
if?It's more than that. It's a strong if. Use if for general conditions and possibilities (If it rains, we'll go to the cinema). Use provided that for a necessary prerequisite that acts as a gatekeeper for the main action (The festival will go ahead, provided that the safety inspection is passed). It adds a sense of formality and binding agreement.
For real conditions about present or future events, yes. This pattern is standard: You will be promoted, provided you meet your targets. It's the same structure as a first conditional sentence. There are very rare exceptions in highly complex past unreal conditionals, but for B2 learners, the present tense rule is the one to master.
Sentence Structure with Provided That
| Main Clause (Result) | Conjunction | Condition Clause (Requirement) |
|---|---|---|
|
I will go
|
provided (that)
|
you pay.
|
|
She will help
|
providing (that)
|
she has time.
|
|
The car works
|
provided
|
it has fuel.
|
|
We can stay
|
providing
|
we are quiet.
|
|
They'll sign
|
provided that
|
the price is right.
|
|
You can enter
|
providing that
|
you are 18.
|
Common Variations
| Full Form | Spoken Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
Provided that
|
Provided
|
Formal condition
|
|
Providing that
|
Providing
|
Neutral condition
|
Meanings
A conjunction used to introduce a condition that must be met for something else to happen. It is more emphatic and formal than 'if'.
Contractual/Formal Agreement
Setting a non-negotiable requirement in a professional or legal context.
“The lease is renewable provided that the tenant gives three months' notice.”
“You may use the software provided that you do not redistribute the code.”
Everyday Promises/Deals
Making a personal agreement or setting a boundary with friends or family.
“I'll lend you the car provided that you fill the tank.”
“We can eat at that restaurant providing that they have vegetarian options.”
Hypothetical Assurance
Expressing confidence that an outcome will occur if one specific factor remains true.
“We should arrive by noon, provided that the traffic isn't too heavy.”
“The economy will recover providing that interest rates remain stable.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Result + provided that + Present Simple
|
I'll come provided that you're there.
|
|
Negative Condition
|
Result + provided that + don't/doesn't
|
We'll go provided it doesn't rain.
|
|
Negative Result
|
Negative Result + provided that + Condition
|
I won't go provided that he is there.
|
|
Question
|
Will [Result] provided that [Condition]?
|
Will you help provided that I pay you?
|
|
Initial Position
|
Provided that [Condition], [Result]
|
Provided that you're ready, we can leave.
|
|
Formal/Legal
|
Passive Result + provided that + Passive Condition
|
Access is granted provided that fees are paid.
|
Formality Spectrum
I shall attend the event provided that my expenses are covered. (Social outing)
I'll go to the party provided that you pay for the taxi. (Social outing)
I'll go provided you pay. (Social outing)
I'm in, long as you're paying. (Social outing)
The 'Deal' Map
Business
- Contracts Legal requirements
Daily Life
- Promises Personal deals
If vs. Provided That
Is it a deal?
Is there a specific requirement?
Usage Contexts
Formal
- • Legal
- • Business
- • Academic
Examples by Level
I will play with you provided that you share.
You can have cake provided that you eat dinner.
I'll go provided you go.
We can walk provided that it is sunny.
I'll buy the phone provided that it isn't too expensive.
Providing that you have a ticket, you can enter.
He can stay here provided that he is quiet.
I'll help you with math provided that you help me with English.
The bank will lend us the money provided that we have a good plan.
Providing that the weather stays clear, the flight will take off.
You can borrow my laptop provided that you don't change the settings.
I'll take the job provided that the salary is competitive.
The merger will proceed provided that the shareholders approve the deal.
Providing that no further delays occur, we should finish by Friday.
You may park here provided that you display a valid permit.
The warranty is valid provided that the product has been used correctly.
The witness agreed to testify provided that his identity remained confidential.
Providing that the fundamental assumptions are correct, the theory holds water.
The ceasefire will hold provided that both parties withdraw from the border.
I am willing to overlook the error provided that it does not happen again.
The legislation will pass provided that the proposed amendments are incorporated.
Providing that the requisite funding is secured, the expansion will commence.
The artifacts may be displayed provided that the humidity is strictly controlled.
He was granted bail provided that he surrendered his passport to the court.
Easily Confused
Learners often think 'unless' and 'provided that' are the same, but they are opposites.
They have the same meaning, but different registers.
Both introduce conditions, but 'supposing' is for imagination.
Common Mistakes
I'll go provided that you will go.
I'll go provided that you go.
I go provided that you go.
I will go provided that you go.
Provided that you go? I'll go.
If you go, I'll go.
I'll help provided that you helping me.
I'll help provided that you help me.
He'll come provided that he don't work.
He'll come provided that he doesn't work.
I'll buy it provided that it is cheap.
I'll buy it provided that it's cheap.
Providing that you are hungry, we eat.
Providing that you are hungry, we will eat.
The deal is off provided that you pay.
The deal is on provided that you pay.
I'll sign provided that you would change the price.
I'll sign provided that you change the price.
Provided that the sun shines, we go to the beach.
Provided that the sun shines, we'll go to the beach.
The project will fail provided that we work hard.
The project will succeed provided that we work hard.
Provided that the data is accurate, which it is.
The theory is sound, provided that the data is accurate.
He was granted leave provided that he will return.
He was granted leave provided that he returned/returns.
Providing that the terms are met, the contract was signed.
Provided that the terms were met, the contract was signed.
Sentence Patterns
I will ___ provided that you ___.
The ___ will be successful provided that ___.
Provided that ___, there is no reason why ___.
___ is permitted provided that ___.
Real World Usage
I can start on Monday provided that we agree on the salary.
I'll come to the gym provided I wake up on time!
You may use this service provided that you are over 13 years old.
You can go out provided that you finish your chores first.
We'll reach the hotel by 6 PM provided that there's no traffic.
The results are valid provided that the sample size is sufficient.
I'll have the burger provided that it doesn't have onions.
The offer is accepted provided that the home inspection is clear.
Drop the 'That'
No 'Will' Allowed
Use for Boundaries
Formal Writing
Smart Tips
Swap 'if' for 'provided that' to sound more decisive and professional.
Stop! Replace 'will' with the present simple immediately.
Drop the 'that' to sound more like a native speaker.
Use 'provided that' to show that your agreement is not unconditional.
Pronunciation
Stress on 'vided'
In 'provided', the stress is on the second syllable.
Stress on 'viding'
In 'providing', the stress is also on the second syllable.
Linking 'that'
The 'd' in 'provided' often links smoothly to the 'th' in 'that'.
Rising-Falling
I'll go (rise) provided that you go (fall).
The rise on the result clause creates anticipation for the condition.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Pro-vided = Pro-mise. You are making a promise that depends on a condition.
Visual Association
Imagine a handshake between two people. One person is holding a document (the condition) and the other is holding a gift (the result). The gift is only handed over when the document is signed.
Rhyme
The deal is fine, provided you sign on the line.
Story
A king tells a knight, 'I will give you the gold provided that you slay the dragon.' The knight slays the dragon (the condition) and then receives the gold (the result). Without the dragon being slain, the gold stays in the castle.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down three 'deals' you have made this week using 'provided that'. For example: 'I will cook dinner provided that you wash the dishes.'
Cultural Notes
In the UK, 'provided that' is very common in formal letters and legal documents. It is seen as a mark of professional politeness.
Americans often use 'as long as' in place of 'provided that' in speech, reserving 'provided that' for business contracts or serious promises.
In global legal English, 'provided that' is used to introduce a 'proviso'—a clause that modifies or limits the preceding statement.
The word 'provide' comes from Latin 'providere' (to see ahead, prepare).
Conversation Starters
Would you move to another country provided that you were offered a high salary?
What is one thing you would do for a friend provided that they asked you nicely?
Do you think people can be happy provided that they have enough money?
Would you agree to work on weekends provided that you got extra vacation days?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
I will lend you my car provided that you ___ (drive) carefully.
The company will hire him ___ he passes the background check.
Find and fix the mistake:
Providing that it will be sunny tomorrow, we will go to the park.
If you don't make a mess, you can use the kitchen.
'Provided that' and 'Providing that' have the same meaning.
A: Can I borrow your notes? B: Yes, ___ you return them tomorrow.
Select the formal option.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesI will lend you my car provided that you ___ (drive) carefully.
The company will hire him ___ he passes the background check.
Find and fix the mistake:
Providing that it will be sunny tomorrow, we will go to the park.
If you don't make a mess, you can use the kitchen.
'Provided that' and 'Providing that' have the same meaning.
A: Can I borrow your notes? B: Yes, ___ you return them tomorrow.
Select the formal option.
1. You can stay... 2. We'll arrive... 3. I'll pay...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe manager approved the request, ___ the deadline is met.
The scholarship will be renewed, ___ the student maintains a GPA of 3.5.
`Provided that` you *will attend* all sessions, you will receive a certificate.
Hey, we can chill later, `providing that` you'll pick up some snacks.
Select the grammatically correct and appropriate sentence:
Which of these official statements is correct?
Translate into English: 'La beca será válida, con la condición de que mantengas buenas calificaciones.'
Translate into English: 'Las nuevas regulaciones entrarán en vigor, con la condición de que el parlamento las apruebe.'
Arrange these words into a meaningful sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the clauses to form logical sentences:
Match the main clauses with their strict conditions:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
There is virtually no difference in meaning. `Provided that` is slightly more common in formal writing, while `providing that` is often used in speech. You can use either one in almost any situation.
Yes! For example: `Provided that you finish your work, you can leave early.` Just remember to use a comma after the condition clause.
No, `that` is optional. In casual conversation, people usually say `provided you...` or `providing you...`. In formal writing, it's better to keep `that`.
Yes, but you need to change the tenses. `He would have come provided that he had been invited.` This follows the third conditional pattern.
In English, we don't use `will` in conditional clauses (the part after 'if', 'when', or 'provided that'). We use the present simple to talk about the future in these cases.
Yes, much more formal. `As long as` is great for friends; `provided that` is better for business, law, or serious agreements.
It's rare but possible. `Will you help me provided that I pay you?` Usually, we use `if` for questions because it's simpler.
Yes. `I'll go provided that he doesn't come.` This means his absence is the condition for your presence.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
siempre que / a condición de que
Spanish requires the subjunctive mood, whereas English uses the indicative.
pourvu que / à condition que
The mood of the following verb (subjunctive vs. indicative).
vorausgesetzt, dass
German word order (verb at the end of the 'dass' clause).
～という条件で (~to iu jouken de)
Word order and the use of particles instead of conjunctions.
بشرط أن (bi-shart an)
Arabic often uses a different verb mood (mansub) after 'an'.
只要...就 (zhǐyào...jiù)
Chinese requires a two-part structure (zhǐyào...jiù) whereas English only needs the conjunction.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
06:03 Inglourious Basterds | Christoph Waltz's Iconic Opening Scene | Extended Preview (4K UHD)
![Inception [2010] Place Of The Yusuf (HD) | Başlangıç | Yusuf'un Yeri | Türkçe Altyazılı](https://sublearn.com/storage/thumbnails/K_M201T-UsQ.jpg)
03:18 Inception [2010] Place Of The Yusuf (HD) | Başlangıç | Yusuf'un Yeri | Türkçe Altyazılı
18:44 35 Most Emotional Moments Ever Caught on Camera
The Subjunctive Mood in English Grammar… Explained Simply!
English with Greg
Subjunctive Mood
Grammar Monster
The Subjunctive in English - Complete Advanced English Grammar Lesson
English with Lucy
Related Grammar Rules
First Conditional: Unless = If Not
Overview In English grammar, **`unless`** serves as a crucial conjunction within conditional sentences, specifically al...
Zero Conditional: Habits and Routines
Overview The Zero Conditional, when applied to habits and routines, is a grammatical structure you use to describe actio...
Can: Expressing Ability (Can)
Overview **Can** serves as a fundamental modal verb in English, primarily articulating **ability** or **capacity**. At...
Mixed Conditionals: Past Action, Present Result (Type 2)
Overview Mixed conditionals are a sophisticated feature of English grammar that allow you to connect hypothetical situat...
Suppose & Supposing: The 'What If' Game
Overview In English grammar, `suppose` and `supposing` function as specialized conditional conjunctions that invite lis...
