I was depending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was depending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing reliance on someone or something in the past. Example: "I was depending on your support to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I was depending on that place".

The New York Times

It was very frustrating because I was depending on that scene.

The Guardian - Film

"But I had a lot of trouble because I was depending on Tom, who is fluent.

The New York Times

"It would be a scary situation if I was depending on Uber as my primary source of income", he added.

The Guardian - Tech

Fine, no problem, I said — thinking of the big job we were in the middle of and how much I was depending on that carpenter.

The New York Times

Then he entered what he now thinks of as a fallow period: "I got sucked into doing movies because now I was depending on it for my livelihood, and I had an apartment in New York and I started to have things I had to pay for, so there was a period where I did some movies that I had no interest in," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Who I was depended.

The New Yorker

I'm depending on you.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am depending on them".

The New York Times

It's not like I'm depending on them for a life or a career.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm depending on 'names of people you sit next to' being a big part of our final exams.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was depending on", ensure that the object of your dependence is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I was depending on the weather being good for the event".

Common error

Avoid using "I was depending on" when a weaker term like "hoping for" is more appropriate. "Depending" suggests a higher level of reliance than simply wishing for something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was depending on" functions as a past tense verb phrase expressing reliance. It indicates that the speaker or subject was relying on something or someone at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig illustrate diverse contexts, from depending on a family friend for childcare to depending on specific skills or resources for a job.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was depending" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to indicate past reliance on someone or something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is crucial – clearly stating the object of dependence avoids ambiguity. Alternatives like "I was relying on" or "I was counting on" can be used to express similar meanings. While adaptable to various registers, choosing synonyms tailored to the tone enhances precision in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was relying on

Replaces "depending" with "relying", maintaining a similar meaning of trust and dependence.

I was counting on

Substitutes "depending" with "counting", suggesting anticipation and trust in someone or something.

I was banking on

Uses "banking" instead of "depending", implying a greater degree of certainty and reliance.

I placed my faith in

Emphasizes trust and confidence in someone or something, with a slightly more formal tone.

I had faith in

Similar to 'placed my faith in', but slightly less formal.

I trusted in

Focuses on the element of trust, rather than the expectation.

I had confidence in

Replaces "depending" with "confidence", highlighting a belief in someone's ability or the reliability of something.

I expected

Simplifies the sentence by removing the direct expression of dependence, focusing on anticipation.

I anticipated

Similar to 'expected' but can also imply that the user was foreseeing some issue.

I was assuming

Implies less certainty than "depending", suggesting a presumption rather than firm reliance.

FAQs

How can I use "I was depending on" in a sentence?

Use "I was depending on" to express that you were relying on something or someone in the past. For instance, "I was depending on her help to finish the report".

What can I say instead of "I was depending on"?

You can use alternatives like "I was relying on", "I was counting on", or "I was banking on depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was depending on" or "I am depending on"?

"I was depending on" refers to a past reliance, while "I am depending on" indicates a present or ongoing reliance. The correct choice depends on the timeframe you are describing.

Is it appropriate to use "I was depending on" in formal writing?

Yes, "I was depending on" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to express past reliance in a clear and direct manner. However, consider if a more formal synonym like "I had confidence in" might be more suitable.