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Prepositions with nouns

Of condition or on condition?

Use "on condition" or "on condition that" to state a requirement. "Of condition" is uncommon and usually belongs to a different structure.

Quick answer

Which expression should you use?

Use "on condition" or "on condition that" when you mean "only if." The combination "of condition" is not a standard fixed expression in this meaning, though it may appear in technical or descriptive phrases such as "a person of fragile condition."

She agreed on condition that the contract be revised.
The loan was approved on condition of repayment within six months.
The patient was described as of stable condition in the report.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
on condition that + clause

Stating a requirement

Use this formal structure to mean "only if."

They will support the proposal on condition that costs remain low.
He was released on condition that he report weekly.
2
on condition of + noun

Giving a condition with a noun phrase

Use this pattern before a noun or gerund to state a requirement.

The scholarship was granted on condition of full-time attendance.
Access is permitted on condition of prior approval.
3
under certain conditions

Describing circumstances

English more often uses "under ... conditions" than "of condition" for general circumstances.

The material expands under certain conditions.
Refunds are available under specific conditions.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
on condition
They agreed on condition of complete confidentiality.
A formal expression meaning "only if a requirement is met."
on condition that
She accepted on condition that she could work remotely.
Introduces a full clause expressing the condition.
of condition
The phrase "of condition" is not a standard alternative to "on condition."
Usually nonstandard in this meaning, though possible in separate descriptive structures.
under conditions
The equipment operates under extreme conditions.
Describes circumstances or environments.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using "of condition" to mean "only if"

English normally uses "on condition" or "on condition that."

✕ He agreed of condition that payment arrive early. ✓ He agreed on condition that payment arrive early.

Forgetting "that" before a clause

Use "on condition that" before a full subject and verb.

✕ They stayed on condition everyone remained quiet. ✓ They stayed on condition that everyone remained quiet.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She signed the contract ___ condition that the deadline be extended.
2. Access is granted on condition ___ prior registration.
3. The phrase "of condition" is ___ used to mean "only if."

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Frequently asked questions

Is "on condition that" formal?

Yes. It is common in legal, academic, and formal writing.

Can I use "if" instead of "on condition that"?

Yes. "If" is more common and less formal in everyday English.

Does "of condition" ever appear in English?

Yes, but usually as part of a different descriptive structure rather than as a synonym for "on condition."

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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