proviso.html

Clauses of Proviso

General Discussion:

Clauses of proviso are subordinate clauses with subjunctive verbs that indicate the specific condition upon which the information of the main clause is dependent. Therefore, clauses of proviso are sometimes considered to be merely a category of conditional clauses. However, clauses of proviso express a more urgent dependency than a standard condition can, and the regular use of specific particles in introducing clauses of proviso separate the two (in theory).

Specifics:

Clauses of proviso are specifically characterized by a clear sense of conditional requirement or restriction:

dum ne lassus fiat ? "only if he does not become tired"

Clauses of proviso are easily identifiable through recognition of the particles used in their introduction:

dum
modo
dummodo
tantum ut/ne
itaÖut/ne

Clauses of proviso are translated:

provided thatÖ, with the proviso thatÖ, only ifÖ, on condition thatÖ

All the particles are translated according to the standard formulae for translation of proviso clauses. Individually, each of the particles does not convey any exclusively separate meaning or connotation.

Mood:

As mentioned, clauses of proviso have subjunctive verbs. Grammarians usually classify these subjunctives as either hortatory or optative in origin. Sometimes, though not often, a hortatory subjunctive without any introductory particle will serve to express proviso. Occasionally, a hortatory subjunctive will appear in the main clause ? this is simply coincidental (i.e., not any sort of formula) and should not be treated in a special way: oderint, dum metuant ? "let them hate, provided that they fear." As is the case with conditional constructions, this substitution only affects the main clause in the sentence and not the provision, or subordinate, clause.

Note:

Relative clauses of characteristic or result are, from time to time, classified as clauses of proviso. This adverbial usage/translation is one taken purely from context, for, in these cases, no introductory particle need be supplied:

servus est nemo qui modo tolerabili condicione sit servitutis
"Provided that he is in a tolerable condition of slavery, no man is a slave."