French Deals: Using 'On Condition That' (à condition que)
à condition que to set a specific requirement for an action to happen.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'à condition que' followed by the subjunctive mood to express a requirement for an action to happen.
- Always use 'à condition que' + subjunctive (e.g., à condition qu'il vienne).
- The subject of the first clause and the second clause can be different.
- If the subject is the same, use 'à condition de' + infinitive instead.
Overview
À condition que translates to “on condition that,” “provided that,” or “as long as” in English. This conjunction introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a necessary prerequisite for the action stated in the main clause. It is a fundamental construction for specifying non-negotiable terms, establishing clear boundaries, or outlining the sole basis upon which an action can occur.
Mastery of à condition que allows you to formulate precise and conditional statements, moving beyond simpler si (if) clauses to articulate more nuanced agreements and stipulations in French. It functions as a linguistic mechanism for setting a strict precedent, without which the primary action remains invalid or impossible.
How This Grammar Works
à condition que is to connect two distinct propositions: a main clause detailing an action or outcome, and a subordinate clause specifying the indispensable condition for that action to take place. Critically, the verb in the subordinate clause introduced by à condition que must always be in the subjunctive mood. This grammatical requirement is not arbitrary; it reflects a fundamental principle of French grammar concerning the expression of uncertainty, subjectivity, desire, or hypothetical situations.la condition) represents something that must happen for something else to occur, but which is not yet a certainty, the subjunctive accurately captures this sense of dependency and potential rather than established fact. Therefore, using the indicative after à condition que constitutes a grammatical error, as it would imply certainty where dependency exists.à condition que inherently implies a change of subject between the main clause and the subordinate clause. If the subject performing the action in the main clause is the same as the subject performing the action in the conditional clause, a different construction, à condition de + infinitive, is required. This distinction is crucial for both grammatical correctness and logical clarity.Tu auras ton dessert à condition que tu manges tes légumes (You'll have your dessert provided that you eat your vegetables) correctly employs à condition que because tu (you) is the subject of both auras and manges.Formation Pattern
à condition que follows a consistent pattern:
à condition que + Subordinate Clause (Subjunctive)
Je te prêterai mon livre (I will lend you my book) or Vous pouvez y aller (You can go there).
à condition que: This fixed phrase acts as the connector, introducing the condition.
h, que contracts to qu'. For example, qu'il, qu'elle, qu'on, qu'ils, qu'elles.
ils/elles) form of the present indicative, remove the -ent ending, and add the following subjunctive endings:
parler (to speak) | Example: finir (to finish) | Example: vendre (to sell) |
que je | -e | parle | finisse | vende |
que tu | -es | parles | finisses | vendes |
qu'il/elle | -e | parle | finisse | vende |
que nous | -ions| parlions | finissions | vendions |
que vous | -iez | parliez | finissiez | vendiez |
qu'ils/elles| -ent | parlent | finissent | vendent |
que je | que tu | qu'il/elle | que nous | que vous | qu'ils/elles |
être | sois | sois | soit | soyons | soyez | soient |
avoir | aie | aies | ait | ayons | ayez | aient |
faire | fasse | fasses | fasse | fassions | fassiez | fassent |
aller | aille | ailles | aille | allions | alliez | aillent |
savoir| sache | saches | sache | sachions | sachiez | sachent |
vouloir| veuille| veuilles| veuille | voulions | vouliez | veuillent |
pouvoir| puisse | puisses| puisse | puissions| puissiez | puissent |
Vous obtiendrez l'accord à condition que vous présentiez un dossier complet. (You will get the agreement provided that you present a complete file.)
Je resterai ici à condition qu'il fasse beau demain. (I will stay here provided that the weather is good tomorrow.)
Elle peut t'aider à condition que tu aies terminé tes propres recherches. (She can help you provided that you have finished your own research.)
When To Use It
À condition que is employed in situations requiring a precise articulation of a prerequisite, often conveying a sense of formality, necessity, or strict negotiation. Its usage is appropriate across various contexts, from daily interactions to professional settings:- Establishing Formal or Legal Conditions: In contracts, agreements, or official declarations,
à condition queis used to clearly state the terms under which something is valid or permissible. Le permis de construire est délivré à condition que les normes de sécurité soient respectées.(The building permit is issued on condition that the safety standards are met.)L'entreprise accepte la fusion à condition que ses parts soient garanties.(The company accepts the merger provided that its shares are guaranteed.)
- Setting Personal Boundaries or Stipulations: In interpersonal communication, it allows you to express your terms for participation, granting permission, or offering assistance.
Je t'accompagnerai à la soirée à condition que nous partions avant minuit.(I will accompany you to the party on condition that we leave before midnight.)Tu peux regarder la télé à condition que tes devoirs soient faits.(You can watch TV provided that your homework is done.)
- Negotiations and Concessions: When one party grants something only if another condition is met by the other party.
Nous vous accorderons une réduction à condition que vous payiez comptant.(We will grant you a discount provided that you pay in cash.)Il accepte le poste à condition que son salaire soit revu à la hausse.(He accepts the position provided that his salary is increased.)
- Expressing a Sole or Critical Prerequisite: When the condition is presented as the singular, non-negotiable element for an action's success or occurrence.
Le projet réussira à condition que toute l'équipe collabore efficacement.(The project will succeed provided that the entire team collaborates effectively.)Vous comprendrez la règle à condition que vous étudiiez attentivement les exemples.(You will understand the rule provided that you study the examples carefully.)
Common Mistakes
à condition que. Understanding these common errors and their underlying reasons is crucial for accurate application.- Using the Indicative Instead of the Subjunctive: This is the most prevalent error. Many learners incorrectly default to the present indicative after
à condition que, possibly due to its similarity in meaning tosi(if), which does use the indicative. - Incorrect:
Je t'aiderai à condition que tu veux apprendre.(I will help you on condition that you want to learn.) - Correct:
Je t'aiderai à condition que tu veuilles apprendre.(vouloirin subjunctive) - Explanation: The subjunctive is mandatory because the condition is presented as a possibility or a requirement, not a certainty. The indicative would imply a factual statement, which contradicts the conditional nature of the phrase.
- Confusing
à condition quewithà condition de: This mistake arises from a misunderstanding of subject agreement. - Use
à condition quewhen the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the conditional clause. Je viendrai à condition que tu viennes aussi.(I will come provided that you also come.) —Jeandtuare different subjects.- Use
à condition de+ infinitive when the subject of the main clause is the same as the implied subject of the conditional action. Je viendrai à condition de venir aussi.(I will come provided that I also come.) — The implicit subject ofvenirisje.- Incorrect:
Je finirai le travail à condition que je le puisse.(I will finish the work provided that I can.) - Correct:
Je finirai le travail à condition de pouvoir le faire.(I will finish the work provided that I can do it.) - Explanation: When the subject is identical, the more concise
à condition de+ infinitive construction is grammatically correct and stylistically preferred.À condition quealways requires a conjugated verb with a distinct subject.
- Incorrect Subjunctive Conjugations: Especially with irregular verbs, learners may revert to indicative forms or incorrect subjunctive patterns. Regular practice with the irregular subjunctive forms (e.g.,
être,avoir,faire,aller) is essential. - Incorrect:
Je le ferai à condition qu'il est là. - Correct:
Je le ferai à condition qu'il soit là.(êtrein subjunctive)
- Forgetting Elision (
qu'): While a minor phonetic point, neglecting to contractquetoqu'before a vowel or mutehsounds unnatural and is grammatically imprecise. - Incorrect:
Elle réussira à condition que il travaille. - Correct:
Elle réussira à condition qu'il travaille.
Real Conversations
While à condition que carries a degree of formality, it is far from an exclusively literary construction. Native French speakers use it in various modern contexts to convey clear stipulations, especially in situations demanding precision or setting boundaries.
- In Text Messages or Informal Chats: Abbreviations are common, but the structure remains.
- Ok pour le ciné, à cond que tu paies la bouffe. (Okay for the cinema, provided that you pay for the food.)
- Tu peux m'emprunter ma veste à condition que tu la laves avant de la rendre. (You can borrow my jacket provided that you wash it before returning it.)
- In Professional or Academic Discussions: For formalizing conditions in emails, meetings, or project planning.
- Nous pouvons prolonger le délai à condition que le budget ne soit pas dépassé. (We can extend the deadline provided that the budget is not exceeded.)
- L'étude sera publiée à condition que tous les auteurs aient donné leur accord. (The study will be published provided that all authors have given their agreement.)
- In Everyday Social Interactions: To establish mutual understanding or grant permission with a caveat.
- On peut aller à la plage à condition qu'il ne fasse pas trop chaud. (We can go to the beach provided that it's not too hot.)
- Tes amis peuvent venir à la maison à condition qu'ils soient respectueux. (Your friends can come over provided that they are respectful.)
- On Social Media or Forums: For outlining rules, terms of engagement, or specific requirements.
- Participez au concours à condition que vous ayez plus de 18 ans. (Participate in the contest provided that you are over 18.)
- Commentaires bienvenus à condition qu'ils restent constructifs. (Comments welcome provided that they remain constructive.)
These examples illustrate that à condition que is a versatile tool for conveying precise conditions in French, demonstrating both its grammatical rigidity and its practical applicability in contemporary communication.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is the subjunctive mood absolutely mandatory after
à condition que? - A: Yes, unequivocally. The subjunctive is always required after
à condition que. Using the indicative is a grammatical error.
- Q: Can
à condition quebegin a sentence? - A: Yes, it can. When
à condition queinitiates the sentence, the main clause typically follows, often separated by a comma, though not strictly required. - Example:
À condition que tu finisses tes devoirs, tu pourras regarder la télé.(Provided that you finish your homework, you can watch TV.)
- Q: How does
à condition quediffer fromsi(if)? - A: Both express conditions, but with key distinctions.
Siclauses are broader, often implying a simple hypothesis or possibility, and always take the indicative mood (Si tu viens, je suis content).À condition queintroduces a more formal, strict, or necessary prerequisite, always requiring the subjunctive mood. It emphasizes a non-negotiable term for the main action to occur, conveying a stronger sense of stipulation or agreement.
- Q: What is the difference between
à condition queandpourvu que? - A: Both require the subjunctive. However,
pourvu que(provided that, as long as) typically expresses a wish, hope, or desire that something happens, often with a nuance of
Subjunctive Verb Formation (Common Verbs)
| Infinitive | Je | Tu | Il/Elle | Nous | Vous | Ils/Elles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Être
|
sois
|
sois
|
soit
|
soyons
|
soyez
|
soient
|
|
Avoir
|
aie
|
aies
|
ait
|
ayons
|
ayez
|
aient
|
|
Faire
|
fasse
|
fasses
|
fasse
|
fassions
|
fassiez
|
fassent
|
|
Aller
|
aille
|
ailles
|
aille
|
allions
|
alliez
|
aillent
|
|
Finir
|
finisse
|
finisses
|
finisse
|
finissions
|
finissiez
|
finissent
|
Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction |
|---|---|
|
à condition que il
|
à condition qu'il
|
|
à condition que elle
|
à condition qu'elle
|
|
à condition que on
|
à condition qu'on
|
Meanings
This phrase introduces a condition that must be met for the main action to take place. It requires the subjunctive mood because it expresses a hypothetical or desired state.
Requirement
Stating a prerequisite for an event.
“Je travaillerai à condition qu'il me paie.”
“Nous sortirons à condition qu'il ne pleuve pas.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Main + à condition que + Subj
|
Je viendrai à condition qu'il soit là.
|
|
Negative
|
Main + à condition que + ne + Subj + pas
|
Je viendrai à condition qu'il ne soit pas là.
|
|
Question
|
Main + à condition que + Subj?
|
Viendras-tu à condition qu'il soit là?
|
|
Same Subject
|
Main + à condition de + Inf
|
Je viendrai à condition de finir tôt.
|
|
Formal
|
Main + à condition que + Subj
|
Nous signerons à condition que vous soyez présents.
|
|
Informal
|
Main + à condition que + Subj
|
On sort à condition que tu sois prêt.
|
Formality Spectrum
Je viendrai à condition que vous soyez présent. (Social plans)
Je viendrai à condition que tu sois là. (Social plans)
Je passe à condition que tu sois là. (Social plans)
J'viens si t'es là. (Social plans)
The Condition Bridge
Requirement
- Subjunctive Required mood
Subject Change
- Different Use 'que'
Same Subject
- Same Use 'de' + infinitive
Si vs. À condition que
Decision Flow
Are the subjects the same?
Examples by Level
Je viens à condition que tu sois là.
I'll come on condition that you are there.
Il mange à condition qu'il ait faim.
He eats on condition that he is hungry.
On joue à condition que tu gagnes.
We play on condition that you win.
Je pars à condition que tu viennes.
I'll leave on condition that you come.
Nous signerons à condition que le prix soit bas.
We will sign on condition that the price is low.
Elle accepte à condition que vous soyez calmes.
She accepts on condition that you are calm.
Je t'aide à condition que tu finisses tes devoirs.
I'll help you on condition that you finish your homework.
Ils viennent à condition qu'il fasse beau.
They'll come on condition that the weather is nice.
Le projet sera validé à condition que les délais soient respectés.
The project will be validated on condition that the deadlines are met.
Je vous prête ma voiture à condition que vous soyez prudents.
I'll lend you my car on condition that you are careful.
Il acceptera le poste à condition qu'il puisse travailler à distance.
He will accept the job on condition that he can work remotely.
Nous irons au restaurant à condition que tu aies réservé.
We will go to the restaurant on condition that you have booked.
La banque accordera le prêt à condition que les garanties soient suffisantes.
The bank will grant the loan on condition that the guarantees are sufficient.
Le traité sera ratifié à condition que toutes les parties soient d'accord.
The treaty will be ratified on condition that all parties agree.
Je ferai une exception à condition que ce soit la dernière fois.
I will make an exception on condition that it is the last time.
Nous maintiendrons l'offre à condition que vous répondiez avant demain.
We will maintain the offer on condition that you reply before tomorrow.
L'accord est caduc à condition que les clauses ne soient pas respectées.
The agreement is void on condition that the clauses are not respected.
Il consent à l'opération à condition que le risque soit minime.
He consents to the operation on condition that the risk is minimal.
Nous soutiendrons cette initiative à condition qu'elle soit inclusive.
We will support this initiative on condition that it is inclusive.
La paix durera à condition que le dialogue soit maintenu.
Peace will last on condition that dialogue is maintained.
La pérennité de l'entreprise est assurée à condition que l'innovation soit constante.
The company's longevity is ensured on condition that innovation is constant.
Il n'y aura de progrès à condition que la rigueur soit de mise.
There will only be progress on condition that rigor is applied.
La liberté est garantie à condition que la loi soit respectée par tous.
Freedom is guaranteed on condition that the law is respected by all.
Le succès est envisageable à condition que les efforts soient coordonnés.
Success is conceivable on condition that efforts are coordinated.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'si' and 'à condition que' interchangeably.
Learners use 'à condition que' even when the subject is the same.
Both trigger the subjunctive.
Common Mistakes
à condition que tu viens
à condition que tu viennes
à condition que je pars
à condition que je parte
à condition que il est
à condition qu'il soit
à condition que nous avons
à condition que nous ayons
à condition que je finis
à condition que je finisse
à condition que tu fais
à condition que tu fasses
à condition que je peux
à condition que je puisse
à condition que je serai
à condition que je sois
à condition que nous sommes
à condition que nous soyons
à condition que vous avez
à condition que vous ayez
à condition que le travail est fait
à condition que le travail soit fait
à condition que il aurait été
à condition qu'il ait été
à condition que nous serions
à condition que nous soyons
à condition que vous auriez
à condition que vous ayez
Sentence Patterns
Je ___ à condition que tu ___.
Nous ___ à condition que le prix ___.
Elle ___ à condition de ___.
Ils ___ à condition que vous ___.
Real World Usage
Je prendrai le poste à condition que le salaire soit compétitif.
Je viens à la fête à condition que tu sois là!
On se voit à condition que tu sois libre.
Je réserve à condition que le petit-déjeuner soit inclus.
Je commande à condition que la livraison soit gratuite.
Le contrat est valide à condition que les clauses soient respectées.
Check the subject
No future tense
Elision is key
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use 'à condition que' to sound more professional than 'si'.
Use 'à condition de' to avoid the subjunctive entirely.
Always use 'qu'' to avoid a clunky sound.
If it's a requirement, it's almost certainly subjunctive.
Pronunciation
Elision
The 'e' in 'que' is dropped before a vowel.
Conditional rise
Je viendrai ↗ à condition que tu sois là ↘
The rise indicates the condition is coming.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Condition = Subjunctive. Think: 'Condition' has a 'C', 'Subjunctive' has a 'C'. They are a pair!
Visual Association
Imagine a contract with a big red stamp that says 'SUBJUNCTIVE' on it. Every time you see 'à condition que', you see that stamp.
Rhyme
À condition que, the subjunctive is the key, for the verb that follows, you must agree.
Story
I wanted to buy a car. The seller said, 'I will sell it, provided that you pay cash.' I said, 'I will pay, provided that you give me the keys.' We both used the subjunctive to seal the deal.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about things you will do this weekend, but only if a specific condition is met by someone else.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in formal business to avoid sounding too demanding.
Similar usage, but sometimes 'si' is used more colloquially.
Very formal and polite in professional settings.
Derived from the Latin 'conditio' meaning agreement or stipulation.
Conversation Starters
Que ferez-vous à condition qu'il fasse beau ce week-end?
Accepteriez-vous un nouveau travail à condition qu'il soit à distance?
Quelles sont vos conditions pour sortir ce soir?
À condition que vous puissiez voyager partout, où iriez-vous?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Je viendrai à condition que tu (être) ___ là.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Il viendra à condition qu'il aura le temps.
Change to 'à condition de': Je viendrai si je finis mon travail.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
À condition que nous (faire) ___.
Order: que / à condition / tu / sois / là.
Do we use the indicative after 'à condition que'?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesJe viendrai à condition que tu (être) ___ là.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Il viendra à condition qu'il aura le temps.
Change to 'à condition de': Je viendrai si je finis mon travail.
Match the start with the end.
À condition que nous (faire) ___.
Order: que / à condition / tu / sois / là.
Do we use the indicative after 'à condition que'?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercisesJe prête mon vélo à condition que tu ___ à l'école avec.
I'm coming provided he is there.
que / condition / tu / à / fasses / ton / lit / .
Match subjects and verbs:
Je mangerai ça à condition que c'est bon.
Select the correct sentence for the same subject:
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
It is a mood used for hypothetical or subjective states. 'À condition que' sets a requirement, which is subjective.
Yes, but 'si' is for general conditions. 'À condition que' is more specific and formal.
Use 'à condition de' + infinitive. It's simpler and more common.
It can be used in casual settings, but it is inherently more precise than 'si'.
Using the indicative instead of the subjunctive. Always remember the subjunctive!
Yes, you can use the past subjunctive, but it is very formal.
Yes, it is standard French used across all French-speaking regions.
Try writing sentences about your daily plans with conditions.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
a condición de que + subjuntivo
Spanish often uses 'a condición de que' while French prefers 'à condition que'.
unter der Bedingung, dass + Konjunktiv
German uses Konjunktiv II for hypothetical conditions.
～という条件で (to iu jouken de)
Japanese does not have a subjunctive mood.
بشرط أن (bi-shart an) + subjunctive
Arabic grammar is based on root systems, unlike French.
只要...就... (zhi yao... jiu...)
Chinese has no verb conjugation.
on condition that + indicative
English does not use the subjunctive here.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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