Grammar · Free lesson
TOEIC grammar: what does “provided that” mean?
A workplace notice can offer permission and attach a condition in the same sentence. Do not stop reading after the permission.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
“You may use the meeting room provided that you reserve it first” makes advance reservation a condition of use. Here, provided that means on condition that.
Permission + provided that + condition.
Provided that connects a main clause to a condition containing a subject and verb. In the room example, “you reserve it first” is that condition. Because would present a reason; although would present a contrast. Provided can also be the past form of provide, meaning supplied, but that is a different grammatical job: “The organizer provided chairs.”
Compare the examples
You may use the room provided that you reserve it first.
You may use the room on condition that you reserve it first.
The organizer provided chairs.
Permission is conditional; the sentence does not say that the reservation has already been made.
Build the meaning step by step
Read the permission
You may use the room
Recognize the connector
provided that
Identify the condition
you reserve it first
Try it now
Read the condition
Read all answers and explanations
You may use the room provided that you reserve it first. What is required?
Reserve the room first.Reserving first is the stated condition, not supplying chairs.
Express a condition, not a reason or contrast: “You may borrow the projector ___ you return it by 5 p.m.”
provided thatProvided that makes return by 5 p.m. a condition of borrowing.
In which sentence does provided mean supplied?
The organizer provided chairs.Here provided is the main past-tense verb. The other sentences introduce conditions.
Build it yourself
Build a conditional permission
Give permission to use the room on condition that the person reserves it first.
Start with the permission, then attach its condition. Select a piece again to move it back.
Your conditional sentence
0 of 4 piecesYour chosen pieces will appear here.
See a model answer
You may use the room provided that you reserve it first.
You may use the room gives permission; provided that you reserve it first limits that permission.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can that be omitted?
Yes. Provided you reserve it first can also introduce the condition. We keep that here to make the clause boundary easy to see.
You may use the room provided you reserve it first.
Does this say the person already reserved it?
No. It states the requirement. Look for separate information about whether it has been met.
You may use the room provided that you reserve it first.
Take it into your day
Provided that attaches a condition; it does not confirm that the condition is met.
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