a condición de que/con la condición de que + Subjunctive
On Condition That
Expresses a necessary condition for something to happen, always followed by the subjunctive.
How It Works
The expressions a condición de que and con la condición de que both translate to "on the condition that" or "provided that." They are used to introduce a stipulation or a necessary condition that must be met for the action in the main clause to take place. Because this condition is a requirement and not a factual event, the verb that follows must always be in the present subjunctive or another subjunctive tense.
Key Points:
- Interchangeable: You can use either 'a condición de que' or 'con la condición de que' with no change in meaning.
- Subjunctive is Mandatory: The verb in the clause introduced by this expression is always in the subjunctive mood. This is because the condition is hypothetical or required, not a certainty.
- Structure: Main Clause + a/con la condición de que + Subordinate Clause (with verb in subjunctive).
For example:
Te presto el libro, a condición de que me lo devuelvas la próxima semana.
(I'll lend you the book, on the condition that you return it to me next week.)
Here, 'devuelvas' is the present subjunctive form of 'devolver'. The lending of the book is contingent upon the condition of its return.
Examples (5)
- Te presto mi coche, a condición de que lo cuides bien.
I'll lend you my car, on the condition that you take good care of it.
Word by Word: To you I lend my car, on condition of that it you take care of well.
The verb 'cuidar' is in the subjunctive form 'cuides' because it expresses the necessary condition for the car to be lent.
- Puedes salir a jugar con la condición de que termines tu tarea primero.
You can go out to play on the condition that you finish your homework first.
Word by Word: You can go out to play with the condition of that you finish your homework first.
The verb 'terminar' is in the subjunctive form 'termines' because finishing the homework is the required condition for being allowed to go out and play.
- El banco me aprobó el préstamo, a condición de que presente un aval.
The bank approved my loan, on the condition that I provide a guarantor.
Word by Word: The bank to me approved the loan, on condition of that I present a guarantor.
'Presente' is the subjunctive form of 'presentar'. The loan approval is contingent on this action.
- Aceptaré el trabajo con la condición de que me den flexibilidad horaria.
I will accept the job on the condition that they give me flexible hours.
Word by Word: I will accept the job with the condition of that to me they give schedule flexibility.
'Den' is the subjunctive form of 'dar'. The condition of receiving flexible hours must be met for the speaker to accept the job.
- Nos dejaban acampar en su terreno a condición de que no hiciéramos fogatas.
They let us camp on their land on the condition that we didn't make campfires.
Word by Word: To us they let camp on their land on condition of that not we made campfires.
This example uses the imperfect subjunctive 'hiciéramos' because the main clause is in the past ('dejaban').
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.
Te ayudo con la condición de que me pagas después.Te ayudo con la condición de que me pagues después.The phrase 'con la condición de que' introduces a requirement, not a fact. Therefore, it must always be followed by the subjunctive ('pagues'), not the indicative ('pagas').
Omitting 'de que' from the expression.
Firmaré el contrato a condición que mejoren la oferta.Firmaré el contrato a condición de que mejoren la oferta.The full, correct expression is 'a condición de que'. The 'de que' is a required part of the structure and cannot be omitted.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'a condición de que' or 'con la condición de que', a learner must be proficient in forming the present subjunctive. Additionally, they need to understand the logic of conditional conjunctions—where an action is dependent on a specific requirement—and how to maintain the correct sequence of tenses between the main and subordinate clauses.
- a menos que/sin que/con tal de que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive Conjunctions
This pattern belongs to the same functional group of conditional conjunctions that trigger the subjunctive, providing the necessary conceptual framework.
Level 3 - Sequence of Tenses (Present)
Understanding how the main clause tense dictates the subjunctive form in the subordinate clause is essential for using these formal conjunctions correctly.
Level 5
Related Patterns
- si + Present + Future/PresentReal Si Clauses (Present)
This is the most common way to form a real conditional sentence. Unlike 'a condición de que', which sets a strict, non-negotiable stipulation, a 'si' clause often describes a more general or likely condition.
Level 3 - para que + SubjunctiveSo That (Purpose)
Both expressions introduce a subordinate clause with the subjunctive, but they have different meanings. Para que expresses purpose ('so that'), while 'a condición de que' expresses a condition ('on the condition that').
Level 3 - en caso de que + SubjunctiveIn Case
En caso de que also introduces a condition requiring the subjunctive, but it focuses more on a contingency or possibility ('in case'). 'A condición de que' implies a more deliberate, negotiated requirement.
Level 4 - siempre que + Indicative/SubjunctiveWhenever/Provided That
When followed by the subjunctive, siempre que can mean 'provided that' or 'as long as', making it a close synonym for 'a condición de que'. When followed by the indicative, it means 'whenever'.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice a condición de que/con la condición de que + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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