contingent upon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Determined by something else; conditional: The state, occurrence, or truth of something is dependent on ("upon") a specific condition or set of circumstances being met first. It describes a relationship where one thing is not certain or guaranteed unless another thing happens.
Usage
This adjective phrase is used to describe a noun (often a situation, outcome, agreement, or plan) that is not absolute or independent. It explicitly states the condition that must be satisfied. It is typically followed by the condition, introduced by "on" or "upon." * The structure is: [Subject/Noun] + [is/are/was/were] + contingent upon + [condition].
Examples
- The funding for the new library is contingent upon a successful public vote. (The funding will only happen if the public votes in favor.)
- Our travel plans are contingent upon getting our visas approved. (We will only travel if our visa applications are successful.)
- The job offer was contingent upon the candidate passing a background check. (The offer would only become final after the check was passed.)
Advanced Usage
- Formal and Legal Contexts: This phrase is very common in formal, academic, business, and legal writing to specify terms and conditions.
- The merger agreement is contingent upon regulatory approval from the government agencies.
- Variation with "on": "Contingent on" is equally correct and common. The choice between "on" and "upon" is often a matter of style, with "upon" sometimes sounding slightly more formal.
- The picnic is contingent on the weather.
Variants and Related Words
- Contingent (Adjective): Can stand alone to mean "dependent on circumstances not yet known; possible but not certain."
- Our arrival time is contingent on traffic.
- Contingency (Noun): A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty; a provision for such an event.
- We have a contingency plan in case it rains.
- Conditional (Adjective): Subject to one or more conditions or requirements being met. (A very close synonym).
- The approval was conditional.
Synonyms
- Conditional upon: Subject to a specific stipulation.
- Dependent on: Determined or influenced by something else.
- Subject to: Likely or able to be affected by; dependent on.
- Hingeing on: Depending entirely on.
Related Phrases
- To be contingent upon: This is the standard verbal phrase.
- The entire project is contingent upon securing a grant.
- Contingent upon the outcome of: A common construction specifying that something depends on the result of another process.
- The next phase is contingent upon the outcome of the clinical trial.
Idioms
- (To be) a contingent matter: Something that is not decided and depends on other factors.
- Whether we expand the team is a contingent matter at this stage.
Adjective
- determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
- arms sales contingent on the approval of congress