a dependence on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dependence on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reliance or need for something, often in contexts related to psychology, health, or economics. Example: "There is a growing dependence on technology in our daily lives, affecting how we communicate and work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it did develop a dependence on one country to buy those goods: China.

Huffington Post

Stupidity would be to trade a dependence on foreign oil for one on foreign ethanol.

The New York Times

"People develop a dependence on them.

Harvard University

Their urge for reform is most often constrained by a dependence on international creditors.

The New York Times - Magazine

The reliance on precise pitching has been replaced by a dependence on an awesome offense.

The New York Times - Sports

I've now been lured into a dependence on growth to service the public debt.

The Guardian

Thailand is far from alone in wanting to overcome a dependence on exports.

The New York Times

Sometimes "WineWise" is indeed wise, as when warning readers away from a dependence on critics' scores.

The New York Times - Food

She was a highly intelligent, attractive woman, brought low by a dependence on Benzedrine and drink.

The Guardian - Books

In its present form, it discloses a dependence on Onkelos, though it is less literal.

Britannica

Some developed a dependence on over-the-counter drugs as a result.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dependence on", clarify the specific area or aspect of reliance to provide a clearer understanding for the reader. For instance, instead of saying "the company has a dependence on technology", specify "the company has a dependence on cloud-based services for data storage".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of the reliance. Instead of saying "the project's success hinges solely on external funding", which implies complete dependence, opt for "the project's success heavily relies on external funding" to acknowledge other contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dependence on" functions as a noun phrase that indicates a state of relying on something or someone. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dependence on" is a frequently used phrase that signifies reliance or need. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. While alternatives such as "a reliance on" or "a need for" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When employing the phrase "a dependence on", ensure clarity by specifying the aspect of reliance and avoid overstating the degree of dependence to maintain precision and credibility in your writing. Its common usage and versatility make it a valuable tool for expressing reliance in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliance on

This option removes 'dependence' without changing the meaning.

a reliance upon

This alternative is a more formal synonym, emphasizing trust and reliance.

a heavy reliance on

Indicates a substantial or significant dependence.

an over-reliance on

Implies excessive dependence that may be detrimental.

a need for

This alternative emphasizes necessity rather than just reliance.

a leaning on

Suggests a strong preference or inclination towards something.

an addiction to

This alternative suggests a compulsive or harmful reliance.

a requirement for

Implies something is essential or necessary.

a craving for

This alternative expresses a strong desire or need, often physical or psychological.

a subservience to

This alternative suggests a weaker or subordinate position.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dependence on" to describe a state of relying on something. For example, "The country's economy showed "a dependence on" oil exports" or "The patient developed "a dependence on" painkillers after the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "a dependence on"?

Alternatives include "a reliance on", "a need for", or "an addiction to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to express "a dependence on" something?

Not necessarily. While "a dependence on" can imply a vulnerability or problem, it can also describe a necessary or beneficial reliance. The connotation depends on the context. For instance, ""a dependence on" renewable energy" is generally positive.

What's the difference between "a dependence on" and "a reliance on"?

While similar, ""a dependence on"" often suggests a stronger, perhaps less voluntary, need. "A reliance on" can imply a more conscious choice and a sense of trust in the thing being relied upon.