Hinges on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hinges on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is dependent on or determined by another factor. Example: "The success of the project hinges on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But everything hinges on Revis.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything hinges on organization & conviction.

The New Yorker

It hinges on itself.

The New York Times

Everything hinges on that.

The New York Times

That hinges on the congresswoman's recovery.

The New York Times

Everything in Cuba hinges on him.

The New Yorker

The deal hinges on standard regulatory approvals.

The New York Times - Tech

Propositional thought hinges on logic and formality.

The New Yorker

But "everything hinges on Sunday," he said.

The New York Times

The whole game hinges on tank washings.

The New Yorker

BEIJING — In Asia, much hinges on China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hinges on", ensure that the dependent relationship is clear and the outcome is significantly influenced by the factor it depends on. For instance, "The project's success hinges on securing additional funding."

Common error

Avoid using "hinges on" when the relationship is only a minor influence. Reserve it for situations where the outcome is fundamentally reliant on the specified factor. Example: Instead of saying, "The meeting hinges on John's presence" when others can cover, consider "The meeting will be more effective with John's presence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinges on" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive verb, indicating that something is dependent on a particular factor. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its function in various contexts, like decision-making, future opportunities, and project outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hinges on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express critical dependence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence in various contexts underscores its usefulness in conveying that an outcome is primarily determined by a specific factor. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it is most frequently used in news, media, and scientific writing. Alternatives include "depends on", "relies on", and "is contingent upon". When using "hinges on", ensure the context clearly emphasizes the significant influence of the specified factor on the outcome. This will help you avoid the common mistake of overstating the degree of dependence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on

Replaces "hinges on" with a more common and straightforward expression of dependence.

is dependent on

A simple and direct synonym indicating reliance or subordination.

is contingent upon

Offers a more formal and emphatic alternative to "hinges on", stressing conditionality.

relies on

Emphasizes the reliance or dependence on something for a specific outcome.

is determined by

Highlights that an outcome is decided or influenced by a specific element.

turns on

Similar to "hinges on" but often used when a decision or outcome is crucial.

is based on

Focuses on the foundation or basis upon which something is established.

is predicated on

Implies that something is based or founded on a particular condition or assumption.

is conditional on

Directly states that something is subject to a specific condition.

is subject to

Indicates that something is controlled or affected by another factor.

FAQs

How can I use "hinges on" in a sentence?

Use "hinges on" to express that the outcome or success of something is entirely dependent on a particular factor. For example, "The company's future "hinges on" the success of this new product launch".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "hinges on"?

You can use alternatives like "depends on", "relies on", or "is contingent upon" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "hinges on" in formal writing?

Yes, "hinges on" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider using alternatives like "is contingent upon" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "hinges on" and "depends on"?

"Hinges on" often implies a more critical or precarious dependence than "depends on". While both indicate reliance, "hinges on" suggests that failure of the key factor would have significant consequences.