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.
Overview
on condition that 就是一个典型的例子。如果你在阅读法律合同、学术论文或者正式的商务协议，你一定会频繁遇到这个短语。它不仅仅是 if（如果）的替代品，它还携带了一种“法律效力”般的严肃感和强制性。on condition that 是一个正式的从属连词，用于引入一个严格的、不可逾越的前置条件。你可以把它理解为中文里的“前提是……”或“以……为条件”。在中文语境下，我们表达条件时往往比较灵活，比如“只要你签了字，我们就发货”或者“你签字了，我们就发货”。但在正式英语中，为了消除歧义，必须使用像 on condition that 这样分量极重的表达。它向对方传达了一个明确的信号：主句所描述的事情是否发生，完全取决于从句中的条件是否被满足。如果条件不满足，一切免谈。这种“绝对依赖关系”是 B2 阶段学习者必须掌握的语用细节。on condition that 引导的是一个条件状语从句。它在句子中起到了“守门员”的作用：只有当从句的条件被履行后，主句的动作才能获得“通行证”。if 的语气相对中性，甚至带有假设色彩。而 on condition that 则更强调一种“契约精神”。它暗示双方已经达成或即将达成某种协议，这个条件是协议的核心条款。例如，在处理微信（WeChat）的隐私协议时，你可能会看到类似的表述：你被允许使用该服务，前提条件是你同意其隐私政策。这种逻辑关系是单向且强制的。on condition that 明确了主从句的地位。主句（投钱）是结果，从句（完成调研）是唯一的门槛。if 和 on condition that 的语感差异：if | 一般条件 | 灵活、常见，用于日常假设 | 如果……就…… |on condition that | 严格契约条件 | 正式、严肃，用于法律、规定、正式承诺 | 前提是……/以……为条件 |as long as | 充分条件 | 偏口语，强调只要满足即可 | 只要……就…… |on condition that 的关键不在于单词本身，而在于时态的配合。这是中国学生最容易出错的地方，因为中文动词没有时态变化，我们习惯用“昨天”、“明天”这样的时间词来代替，而英语则要求动词形式必须匹配。on condition that + 条件从句- 针对未来或现在的许可： 主句通常使用一般将来时（
will）或情态动词（can,may），而on condition that引导的从句必须使用一般现在时。即使这个条件是在未来履行的，也不能用will。 - 例：
The university will grant you a scholarship on condition that you maintain a GPA of 3.8.(大学将给你发放奖学金，前提是你保持3.8的绩点。) - 解析： 这里的
maintain使用一般现在时，体现了条件的“常态化”和“规定性”。
- 针对过去的情况： 如果主句是过去时，从句通常也使用过去时，以保持时态一致。
- 例：
He was allowed to stay in the library after hours on condition that he kept the noise down.(他被允许在闭馆后留在图书馆，前提是他保持安静。)
On condition that + 条件从句, + 主句- 例：
On condition that the goods are delivered by Friday, we will process the payment immediately.(前提是货物在周五前送达，否则我们将立即办理付款。)
if 引导的一般真实条件句的时态规则是一致的，但在 on condition that 中，这种规则执行得更加严格。will / can / may + 动词原形 | on condition that | 一般现在时 | 未来的规定或承诺 |on condition that | 一般过去时 | 过去的协议或许可 |on condition that | 过去完成时 | 强调条件必须在过去某事之前完成 |on condition that 绝不是在奶茶店点单时用的词。它的使用场景通常具有以下特征：- 例：
The employee is entitled to 15 days of annual leave on condition that they have completed one full year of service.(员工有权享受15天年假，前提是他们已完成一整年的服务。)
- 例：
Students may resit the exam on condition that they submit a formal application within three days.(学生可以参加补考，前提是他们在三天内提交正式申请。)
- 例：
Our company will agree to the merger on condition that our current CEO remains on the board.(我们公司将同意合并，前提是我们现任的 CEO 留在董事会中。)
- 例：
You may use the laboratory equipment on condition that you log every session in the records.(你可以使用实验室设备，前提是你必须在记录本上登记每一次使用情况。)
will 或 wouldwill。- 错误示范：
I will sign the contract on condition that you will lower the price. - 正确表达：
I will sign the contract on condition that you lower the price. - 解析： 在英语逻辑中，条件本身是一个既定的“项”，不需要体现未来的动作感。主句的
will已经锁定了时间轴，从句只需陈述内容即可。
- 错误示范： (对朋友说)
I will go to the movies with you on condition that you buy me popcorn. - 改进建议： 这种场合应该用
as long as或者简单的if。除非你是故意在开玩笑，否则on condition that会显得你很傲慢且斤斤计较。
if 连用导致冗余on condition that if... 这样的句子。- 错误示范：
He can borrow my car on condition that if he refills the tank. - 正确表达：
He can borrow my car on condition that he refills the tank. - 解析：
on condition that本身就是一个完整的引导词组，功能等同于加强版的if。再加if就像在中文里说“前提如果是如果……”一样啰嗦。
thatthat 可以省略，但在 B2 级别的正式写作中，省略 that 会被视为不严谨。- 建议： 永远保留
that，确保句式结构的完整性。
on condition that | 极强 (Must) | 法律、合同、正式协议 | 强调这是唯一且必须的先决条件。 |provided/providing (that) | 强 (If and only if) | 商务信函、正式说明 | 语气比 on condition that 稍软，但依然很正式。 |as long as | 中 (Only if) | 日常对话、口语 | 强调只要满足这个条件，结果就成立。 |unless | 强 (If not) | 各种语境 | 从反面设定条件：如果不……就不…… |supposing (that) | 弱 (What if) | 讨论、头脑风暴 | 侧重于假设和想象，而非规定。 |on condition that vs. provided thaton condition that 更像是一个“硬性规定”，而 provided that 则更像是一个“预设前提”。如果你想表达“这是我们谈妥的条件”，选 on condition that；如果你想表达“在……的情况下（通常是好事）”，选 provided that。on condition that 和 on the condition that 有区别吗？the 之后，condition 变得更具体，通常指代双方之前已经讨论过的那个特定条件。但在现代英语中，省略 the 的用法更为简洁、地道，也更符合 B2 级别的写作习惯。if 引导的虚拟语气。on condition that 出现的句子通常是“真实条件句”。if。例如：Governments should provide subsidies to electric vehicle buyers on condition that the manufacturers guarantee battery recycling. 这样的句子会展现你对正式语域（Formal Register）的精准掌控，瞬间提升作文的档次。on condition that 是你通往高级英语表达的一把钥匙。它不仅仅是一个语法点，更代表了一种严谨、契约化的思维方式。记住：时态要用一般现，场景要选正式间，莫把 will 往里填！ 希望通过这篇讲解，大家能在大考和职场中，像母语者一样精准地使用这个“硬核”条件表达。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.
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.”
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.”
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
| 短语 | 语气 | 用法 | 例句 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
if
|
休闲
|
通用条件
|
If you go, I go.
|
|
on condition that
|
正式
|
硬性规定
|
I'll go, on condition that you pay.
|
|
as long as
|
中性
|
只要（强调时间/持续）
|
Stay as long as you want.
|
|
provided that
|
正式
|
官方要求
|
Provided that you arrive on time.
|
|
supposing that
|
中性
|
假设/理论
|
Supposing that you won the lottery?
|
|
unless
|
中性
|
除非
|
I won't go unless you pay.
|
正式程度
I shall assist you on condition that I am remunerated. (Financial agreement)
I will help you on condition that you pay me. (Financial agreement)
I'll help you if you pay me. (Financial agreement)
I'm in, but only if you cough up the cash. (Financial agreement)
何时使用 'On Condition That'
商务
- Contract Job Offer
- Promotion Brand Deal
法律
- Prisoner Release
- Permit Permission
个人
- Car Borrowing
- Password Sharing
非正式 vs 正式条件
选择正确的短语
这是一个严肃的交易吗？
是否有硬性规定？
使用场景分类
书面
- • 雇佣
- • 贷款
- • 协议
口语
- • 严肃的承诺
- • 硬性规则
- • 父母的约定
按水平分级的例句
I will go if you go.
I will go if you go.
If it rains, we stay home.
If it rains, we stay home.
I am happy if you are happy.
I am happy if you are happy.
If you eat, you feel better.
If you eat, you feel better.
I will help you only if you ask.
I will help you only if you ask.
You can play only if you finish your work.
You can play only if you finish your work.
We can go out only if the sun shines.
We can go out only if the sun shines.
I will buy it only if it is cheap.
I will buy it only if it is cheap.
You can borrow my bike provided that you are careful.
You can borrow my bike provided that you are careful.
I'll come to the party as long as there is food.
I'll come to the party as long as there is food.
They will sign the contract provided that the date is correct.
They will sign the contract provided that the date is correct.
You can stay here as long as you pay rent.
You can stay here as long as you pay rent.
The grant is awarded on condition that the research is published.
The grant is awarded on condition that the research is published.
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.
I will accept the promotion on condition that my salary increases.
I will accept the promotion on condition that my salary increases.
The museum is free on condition that you book in advance.
The museum is free on condition that you book in advance.
The merger will proceed on condition that all regulatory hurdles are cleared.
The merger will proceed on condition that all regulatory hurdles are cleared.
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.
The ceasefire was signed on condition that all troops withdraw immediately.
The ceasefire was signed on condition that all troops withdraw immediately.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The witness testified on condition that her anonymity be strictly preserved.
The witness testified on condition that her anonymity be strictly preserved.
容易混淆
Learners use 'in case' when they mean 'on condition that'.
Both are strong conditionals, but 'unless' means 'if not'.
They are almost identical in meaning.
常见错误
I go if you will go.
I will go if you go.
I help you only if you will help me.
I will help you only if you help me.
You can stay on condition you are quiet.
You can stay on condition that you are quiet.
On condition that he will pay, we sign.
On condition that he pays, we sign.
句型
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
We offer you the role on condition that you provide two references.
The suspect was released on condition that he stay 500 meters away from the victim.
You may use this software on condition that you do not redistribute it.
You can have a cookie on condition that you eat your vegetables first.
The nations agreed to lower tariffs on condition that labor laws were improved.
The funding is provided on condition that a report is submitted quarterly.
老板模式
Will 陷阱
礼貌的界限
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.
Check the clause immediately after 'on condition that'. If it has 'will', delete it!
Use 'provided that' instead of 'on condition that'. It's just as formal but feels slightly more cooperative.
Ensure both the result and the condition are in the past tense for consistency.
发音
Linking 'that'
The word 'that' is often reduced to a schwa /ðət/ and linked to 'condition'.
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
Remember the 'C' in Condition stands for 'Contract'—use it when the deal is serious.
视觉联想
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
挑战
Write three formal sentences about your dream job using 'on condition that' (e.g., salary, hours, location).
文化笔记
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'.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
The boss will give him a bonus on condition that he ___ the project today.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
Find and fix the mistake:
You can use my Netflix on condition that you will not change the settings.
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercisesI will lend you my car on condition that you ___ (drive) carefully.
Choose the best option for a business contract.
Find and fix the mistake:
He was allowed to go on condition that he will return by ten.
I will only sign if you increase the salary.
Match the register to the sentence.
You can use 'on condition that' to talk about hypothetical/imaginary situations like 'If I were a cat'.
Boss: 'You can take Friday off.' Employee: 'Really? Thank you!' Boss: '___ you finish the report by Thursday.'
Select the group of synonyms.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesThey offered me the job ___ I moved to London.
I will go to the party on condition that you will come with me.
phone / discount / on condition that / buy / I / will / give / you / me / a
Er stimmte zu zu helfen, unter der Bedingung, dass wir ihn bezahlten.
Which of these sounds most professional?
Match the formal condition phrases:
The player joins the team on condition that he ___ healthy.
The city permits the protest on condition that it will remain peaceful.
sample / review / on condition that / send / we / will / post / you / a
Which sentence is correct?
Score: /10
常见问题 (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
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
a condición de que
Spanish requires the subjunctive mood; English uses the indicative.
à condition que
French requires the subjunctive mood.
unter der Bedingung, dass
German requires subordinate clause word order (verb at the end).
...という条件で (...to iu jouken de)
Japanese uses a noun-modifying structure rather than a conjunction.
بشرط أن (bi-shart an)
Arabic often uses the present subjunctive (mansub) after 'an'.
在...条件下 (zài... tiáojiàn xià)
Chinese uses a prepositional phrase structure rather than a clause connector.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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