The phrase "were conditional upon" contains some tricky spelling. The word "conditional" is pronounced /kənˈdɪʃənəl/, with stress on the second syllable. The "c" in "conditional" is pronounced as "sh" /ʃ/ sound, not "k". Meanwhile, the word "upon" is pronounced /əˈpɒn/, with stress on the second syllable. The "u" in "upon" has a short /ʌ/ sound, which is similar to the "u" sound in "hug". As for "were", it's pronounced /wɜː(r)/, with an "er" sound at the end.
"Was conditional upon" refers to a phrase that signifies an action or event that is reliant on certain specified conditions being met. The verb "were" here is the past tense of the verb "to be," suggesting a state of being or occurrence in the past. "Conditional upon" implies that a particular situation or outcome is dependent on the fulfillment of specific prerequisites or requirements. In this context, the use of the past tense indicates that the conditionality mentioned has already occurred in the past.
For example, if a company were to state that their decision to invest in a project was conditional upon obtaining a certain level of funding, it would mean that their investment would only proceed if they secure the designated amount of money. Similarly, an individual accepting a job offer might state that their commitment is conditional upon receiving a certain salary or benefits package.
The phrase "were conditional upon" implies that there is a contingency or requirement that must be satisfied in order for a particular action or event to take place. It indicates a conditional nature and highlights the importance of meeting specified criteria or conditions before proceeding with a decision or commitment. The past tense reinforces that these conditions were present at some point in the past, emphasizing the historical aspect of the conditionality.