are contingent on

USAGE SUMMARY

"are contingent on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that relies on something else in order to happen or be successful. For example, "My plans for the future are contingent on finding a new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Their predicaments are contingent on my own, and their world is a kaleidoscopic version of this one.

The New Yorker

The moves are contingent on the players' passing physical examinations.

The New York Times - Sports

Tentative plans are contingent on getting the right cast.

The New York Times

The boundaries between accounting and law are contingent on time space intersections.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

Offense Obviously, Atlanta's grand plans for 2011 are contingent on Matt Ryan taking that next step.

The New York Times

But these plans are contingent on the recovery being strong enough to cope.

The Economist

rules explicitly ban countries from providing subsidies that are contingent on goods being exported.

The New York Times

The Fed's expansionary policies are contingent on weakness in the labor market and the overall economy.

The New York Times

Moving past these humiliations and rejoining polite society are contingent on serious gym time.

The New York Times

The lower or cruder levels are contingent on the state of the brain.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tomorrow's opportunities are contingent on our ability to achieve digital literacy today.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are contingent on", ensure that the condition being specified is clear and unambiguous to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, be specific about what outcomes depend on which actions or circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "are contingent on" with overly broad or undefined conditions. Instead of saying "success is contingent on hard work", specify which aspects of success and what kind of hard work you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are contingent on" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject by indicating a state of dependence or conditionality. It specifies that the occurrence or validity of something is dependent upon certain conditions being met. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that relies on something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

46%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are contingent on" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something depends on specific conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English to denote reliance on something else for success or occurrence. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using "are contingent on", ensure clarity in the conditions you're specifying, and consider related phrases like "depend on" or "rely on" for simpler alternatives. Avoid vagueness in your conditions for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

Focuses on the reliance of one thing on another for existence or operation, simpler phrasing.

are dependent on

Directly expresses that something cannot exist or function without something else.

are reliant on

Similar to 'depend on' but may imply a stronger need or obligation.

hinge on

Emphasizes the crucial importance of something on which everything else depends.

are subject to

Highlights the condition of being affected by or possibly experiencing something.

are conditional upon

Formal phrasing that clearly states the dependence of one thing on another condition.

rely on

A more direct way to state dependence.

are predicated on

Suggests a foundation or basis that something is built upon or assumed.

are determined by

Indicates that something is decided or influenced by specific factors.

are influenced by

Suggests a less direct but still significant impact.

FAQs

How can I use "are contingent on" in a sentence?

Use "are contingent on" to indicate that something will only happen if something else does. For example, "Our travel plans "are contingent on" getting our visas approved."

What's a simple way to express the same idea as "are contingent on"?

You can use phrases like "depend on", "rely on", or "hinge on" as simpler alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are contingent on" or "are dependent on"?

Both "are contingent on" and "are dependent on" are correct, but "are contingent on" often implies a formal agreement or planned condition, while "are dependent on" suggests a more general reliance.

What's the difference between "are contingent on" and "are subject to"?

"Are contingent on" means something will happen only if a specific condition is met. "Are subject to" means something is likely to be affected by something else, often negatively.