contingently
contingently — adverb
1. in a provisional or dependent way, so that the result is controlled by a future
in a provisional or dependent way, so that the result is controlled by a future condition or uncertain event
The grant was approved contingently, pending a final review of the safety plan.
be approved contingently + pending phrase naming the condition
Payment will be made contingently on the contractor finishing the repairs by Friday.
contingently on + noun phrase/clause showing what must happen first
The shares vest contingently if the company meets its annual revenue target.
The museum agreed contingently to lend the painting, but only if humidity controls were installed.
The second phase is funded contingently, so it may stop if donations fall short.
- conditionally
the closest everyday choice; emphasizes that a condition must be met
- provisionally
stresses that an arrangement is temporary or subject to later confirmation
- dependently
rare; stresses reliance on another factor rather than a formal condition
- unconditionally
with no condition or requirement attached
- absolutely
completely and without qualification
文法句型
contingently + verb
be + contingently + past participle
contingently on + noun phrase
用法筆記
This is a formal and uncommon adverb. It is most natural in legal, financial, academic, or administrative writing when an approval, payment, right, or plan depends on a later condition. In everyday speech, an if-clause is usually clearer.
常見錯誤
Do not use 'contingently' as a casual synonym for 'maybe'. Say 'I might come tomorrow,' not 'I will contingently come tomorrow.'
Do not leave the condition unstated in learner writing. 'The offer was accepted contingently' is clearer if you add the condition: 'pending a background check' or 'if funding is approved.'