a dependency on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dependency on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing reliance or need for something, often in contexts related to psychology, technology, or economics. Example: "The study revealed a dependency on social media among teenagers, affecting their mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They saw the oil spill as an individual problem with one company more so than a dependency on oil.

Huffington Post

State Sen. David Sater (R), one of the bill's sponsors, said welfare encourages "a dependency on government".

Huffington Post

"It's like they've got a dependency on acute care.

The Guardian

A dependency on debt finance can jeopardise the organisation".

The Guardian

Second, Greek society has a dependency on pensioners.

The Guardian - Business

A dependency on the crack velocity should therefore be expected.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

In Spain, despite unemployment levels of over 22%, there is a dependency on north African labour.

The Guardian

The Alabamian rural economy challenges the traditional view of a dependency on cotton.

Britannica

In the mid-1980s, Mr. Vance twice entered rehabilitation centers to overcome a dependency on cocaine.

The Washington Post

A dependency on memantine appeared in rats and monkeys but only at high doses.

Stanford University

Surprisingly, a dependency on the fertilisation practices could not be found.

Agricultural Water Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dependency on", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the dependency is positive, negative, or neutral. For example, "a dependency on renewable energy" has a different connotation than "a dependency on fossil fuels".

Common error

While acceptable, "a dependency on" can sometimes sound slightly less formal than alternatives like "reliance upon" in highly academic or professional contexts. Consider the audience and adjust accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dependency on" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, creating a structure that describes a state of reliance or need. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used across various domains to indicate reliance on something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dependency on" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of reliance or need. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While often interchangeable with "reliance", "dependency" can sometimes suggest a less voluntary or even problematic reliance. When writing, consider whether the dependency is positive, negative, or neutral, as this will influence the tone. For highly formal contexts, "reliance upon" may be a suitable alternative. The phrase appears frequently in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, solidifying its status as a reliable and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliance upon

Implies a slightly more formal or emphatic reliance.

a dependence on

Similar meaning, but "dependence" can sometimes carry a more negative connotation than "dependency".

a need for

Focuses on the necessity of something, rather than the reliance.

an addiction to

Suggests a compulsive or unhealthy reliance.

a leaning towards

Implies a tendency or inclination, rather than a strict need.

a susceptibility to

Highlights vulnerability or sensitivity to something.

an inclination for

Suggests a preference or natural tendency.

a habit of

Implies a regular or repeated action due to reliance.

a connection to

Highlights the link between two things.

a relationship with

Emphasizes the association or interaction rather than reliance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dependency on" to describe a state of reliance or need. For instance, "The company's growth created "a dependency on" foreign investment."

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

While similar, "reliance" often suggests a more conscious and chosen dependence, whereas "dependency" can sometimes imply a less voluntary or even problematic need. Both are generally interchangeable but the nuance is subtle.

What are some synonyms for "a dependency on"?

Alternatives include "a reliance on", "a need for", and "a dependence on" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a dependency on" formal or informal language?

"A dependency on" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal writing, consider using "a reliance upon" as a slightly more elevated alternative.