are dependent on

USAGE SUMMARY

"are dependent on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is contingent upon one or more other things. For example, "The success of the project is dependent on the commitment of all involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are dependent on us.

The New York Times

We are dependent on him.

The Economist

Suppliers are dependent on it.

The New York Times

But we are dependent on each other.

The New York Times

"We are dependent on the water.

The New Yorker

"We are dependent on Iran," he said.

The New York Times

We are dependent on our cars here.

The New York Times

They are dependent on an uncle.

The Guardian

But many Filipinos are dependent on fishing.

The Guardian

Some events are dependent on good weather.

The New York Times

We are dependent on loans like this".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are dependent on", clearly specify what the subjects rely on to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Businesses are dependent", specify "Businesses are dependent on consumer spending".

Common error

Avoid implying causation when only dependence is present. Just because two things are dependent doesn't mean one directly causes the other; their relationship could be correlational or influenced by other factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are dependent on" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective phrase, indicating a state of reliance or contingency. This construction connects a subject to its necessary condition or support, illustrating that its existence, success, or state is contingent upon something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are dependent on" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate reliance or contingency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. The phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and business contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, clarity is key; explicitly state what is being relied upon to avoid ambiguity. By understanding the relationship between dependence and causation, writers can use "are dependent on" effectively to convey nuanced meanings. Overall, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing complex relationships of reliance in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be contingent on

Formally states that something is dependent on certain conditions being met.

be conditional upon

Expresses a dependence based on specific prerequisite conditions.

rely upon

A more formal alternative to "are dependent on", suggesting a reliance for support or assistance.

be determined by

States that something is directly influenced or decided by a particular element.

hinge upon

Implies that something is contingent and pivotal, where everything else is conditional to it.

rest on

Similar to hinge upon, but suggests that something essential must be provided.

turn on

Implies that an outcome is determined by a specific factor.

be predicated on

Indicates that a statement or action is based on certain assumptions.

be subject to

Highlights the condition of being under the power or influence of something.

be at the mercy of

Suggests a vulnerability and lack of control, being heavily influenced by external factors.

FAQs

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

Use "are dependent on" to indicate reliance or contingency. For example, "The success of the project "is dependent on" the team's effort".

What are some alternatives to saying "are dependent on"?

You can use alternatives like "rely on", "hinge on", or "be contingent on" to express a similar meaning.

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

"Are dependent on" is typically used to describe a state of reliance, while "depend on" is a verb phrase indicating the action of relying. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "are dependent on" and "are reliant on"?

"Are dependent on" and "are reliant on" are largely synonymous and can often be used interchangeably. "Reliant" might suggest a slightly stronger degree of trust or certainty in the dependence.