In 15 Seconds
- Logical marker for explaining results based on the current situation.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and scientific contexts.
- Usually refers to difficult or external factors beyond your control.
- Best placed at the start of sentences with a comma.
Meaning
This phrase acts like a logical fence around a situation. It tells the listener that what you are saying is only true because of the specific, often difficult, circumstances happening right now. It feels serious, precise, and a bit like you’re making a professional assessment of a tricky environment.
Key Examples
3 of 10In a professional email regarding a delay
Under these conditions, we are unable to meet the original deadline.
Under these conditions, we are unable to meet the original deadline.
Discussing a hiking trip during a storm
It is simply too dangerous to climb the mountain under these conditions.
It is simply too dangerous to climb the mountain under these conditions.
A gamer complaining about internet lag
My ping is over 500; I literally cannot play under these conditions!
My ping is over 500; I literally cannot play under these conditions!
Cultural Background
Directness is valued. Using this phrase shows you are identifying a problem clearly.
Use with a comma
Always follow the phrase with a comma when it starts a sentence.
In 15 Seconds
- Logical marker for explaining results based on the current situation.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and scientific contexts.
- Usually refers to difficult or external factors beyond your control.
- Best placed at the start of sentences with a comma.
What It Means
Have you ever tried to run a marathon in flip-flops? You might finish, but only because you have no other choice. That is exactly where under these conditions comes into play. It is a phrase that sets boundaries. It tells people that your actions or results are tied to the environment. If the environment changes, your answer might change too. It is a very smart way to protect yourself in a conversation. It says, 'Hey, I am doing my best, but look at what I am dealing with!' It is logical, slightly formal, and very effective.
What It Means
At its heart, this phrase is about constraints. Think of it like a scientist in a lab. The scientist says the experiment worked under these conditions. That means it might not work if the room is hotter or colder. In daily life, we use it to explain why something is happening. It links a result to a cause. Usually, the 'conditions' are something you cannot control. Maybe it is a bad economy. Maybe it is a rainy day. Maybe it is a slow internet connection. You are acknowledging the reality of the moment. It is a way of being realistic. You are not making excuses. You are just stating facts. It has a vibe of 'it is what it is.' You are being the adult in the room. You are looking at the data before you speak. It feels grounded and very reliable.
How To Use It
You will usually see this at the start of a sentence. It sets the stage for your main point. If you put it at the start, follow it with a comma. For example, Under these conditions, we cannot finish the project. It sounds like a big announcement. You can also put it at the end. We cannot finish the project under these conditions. This version feels a bit more natural in speech. It emphasizes the result first. You are telling the bad news, then explaining why. It is like a verbal safety net. It protects your reputation. If someone asks why you are late, you point to the traffic. You are not a late person. You are just a person stuck under these conditions. Just don't use it to explain why you ate the last cookie. That might be too much drama for a snack!
Formality & Register
This is a solid C1 level phrase. It belongs in the 'formal' and 'professional' categories. You will hear it in boardrooms and news reports. It is perfect for emails to your boss. It makes you sound like you have a high level of English. It shows you can handle complex logic. However, it is a bit heavy for a casual text to a friend. If you tell your best friend, Under these conditions, I cannot go to the movies, they might think you are a robot. For friends, use since it's raining or because I'm broke. Save this phrase for when you need to sound serious. It is great for job interviews. Use it to describe how you solved a problem at your last job. It shows you understand how the world works. It is sophisticated but not arrogant.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are working remotely from a noisy cafe. Your boss asks why you missed a detail. You say, It is hard to focus under these conditions. It sounds much more professional than saying it's too loud here. Or think about a travel vlogger. They might post an Instagram story from a snowy mountain. Under these conditions, the camera battery only lasts ten minutes! It explains the technical struggle. Even in gaming, players use it. If the server is lagging, you might tell your team, We can't win under these conditions. It shifts the blame to the technology. It is a very handy tool for modern life. We are always dealing with weird situations. This phrase gives us a way to talk about them clearly. It is like having a professional 'out' for any problem.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be precise. It is perfect for scientific or academic writing. If you are writing a report for university, this is your best friend. It connects your data to your environment. Use it in business negotiations too. If a client wants a lower price, you can explain why it's impossible under these conditions. It sounds like a logical rule, not a personal refusal. Use it when discussing the weather or the economy. These are things nobody can change. It is also great for health discussions. A doctor might say, Under these conditions, you need to rest. It makes the advice sound like a scientific requirement. It carries authority and weight. It makes people stop and listen.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for tiny, unimportant things. If you can't find your socks, don't say Under these conditions, I cannot leave the house. It's too dramatic! People will think you are being sarcastic. Also, don't use it if the 'conditions' are actually your own fault. If you didn't study for a test, don't tell the teacher, Under these conditions, I failed. That sounds like you're blaming the universe for your nap! It is for external factors. Don't use it in very romantic or emotional moments either. Telling your partner Under these conditions, I love you makes love sound like a legal contract. That is a quick way to end a date! Keep it for logic, work, and physical reality.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is using the wrong preposition. Many people say In these conditions. While people will understand you, Under is the standard for English speakers. It implies the conditions are 'above' you or pressing down on you. Another mistake is forgetting the plural. It is almost always conditions, not condition. The situation is usually made of many parts. If you say Under this condition, it sounds like a very specific legal rule. Also, don't confuse it with on the condition that. That means only if. Under these conditions describes the current reality. One is about the future, the other is about right now. Don't mix them up or your boss might get very confused!
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more formal, try Given the circumstances. This is the king of formal excuses. It is very common in legal dramas. For something a bit more modern, you can say As things stand. This is popular in business news. Considering the situation is a bit softer and more conversational. It feels like you are thinking out loud. If you are talking about a contract, you might hear Subject to these terms. That is the legal cousin of our phrase. In the UK, you might hear In light of the current situation. It sounds very polite and slightly posh. All of these do the same job. They connect what is happening to why it is happening.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: The Wi-Fi is so slow today. I can't even open the shared doc.
Speaker B: I know. Under these conditions, we're never going to finish this report by five.
Speaker A: Should we tell the manager?
Speaker B: Yeah, it's better to be honest about the tech issues.
Speaker A: Why is the price of the flight so high all of a sudden?
Speaker B: It's a holiday weekend and there's a fuel shortage.
Speaker A: I guess under these conditions, we'll have to take the train instead.
Speaker B: Good idea. It's cheaper and we can actually see the view.
Quick FAQ
Is it always negative? Not always, but usually. We mostly talk about conditions when they make things difficult. Can I use it for the weather? Yes, it is very common for storms or heatwaves. Is it okay for emails? Yes, it is a perfect professional phrase. Why 'under'? It comes from legal language where people were 'under' the authority of a rule. It feels like the situation is in control. Does it need a comma? Yes, if you start the sentence with it. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the result. Is it British or American? It is used in both! It is a universal English phrase for professional and logical discourse. You can use it anywhere from London to New York without any issues.
Usage Notes
The phrase is firmly formal. Use 'under' (never 'in' or 'at') and always keep 'conditions' plural for general situations. It works best as a logical shield to explain why a result might be different than expected.
Use with a comma
Always follow the phrase with a comma when it starts a sentence.
Examples
10Under these conditions, we are unable to meet the original deadline.
Under these conditions, we are unable to meet the original deadline.
A very standard way to explain a delay without sounding like you are making excuses.
It is simply too dangerous to climb the mountain under these conditions.
It is simply too dangerous to climb the mountain under these conditions.
Used here to describe physical/weather constraints.
My ping is over 500; I literally cannot play under these conditions!
My ping is over 500; I literally cannot play under these conditions!
Modern usage in digital environments.
✗ In these conditions, the experiment failed. → ✓ Under these conditions, the experiment failed.
Under these conditions, the experiment failed.
Always use 'under' for the most natural and formal sound.
The chemical reaction only occurs under these specific conditions.
The chemical reaction only occurs under these specific conditions.
Academic usage focusing on precision.
Buying a house is nearly impossible for young people under these conditions.
Buying a house is nearly impossible for young people under these conditions.
Economic context.
✗ Under this condition, the team quit. → ✓ Under these conditions, the team quit.
Under these conditions, the team quit.
Unless referring to one specific rule, use the plural 'conditions'.
I'd love to find my car keys, but under these conditions, it's a miracle I found my shoes.
I'd love to find my car keys, but under these conditions, it's a miracle I found my shoes.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation for comedic effect.
We are losing hope of finding survivors under these conditions.
We are losing hope of finding survivors under these conditions.
High emotional weight and serious tone.
We can't stream this show in your region under these conditions.
We can't stream this show in your region under these conditions.
Modern digital/legal context.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
____ these conditions, we cannot guarantee success.
The standard preposition for this expression is 'under'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises____ these conditions, we cannot guarantee success.
The standard preposition for this expression is 'under'.
🎉 Score: /1
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it sounds too formal.
Related Phrases
Given these circumstances
synonymConsidering the current situation.