are not so dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not so dependent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lesser degree of reliance or dependence on something compared to another situation or entity. Example: "While some teams are heavily reliant on technology, others are not so dependent on it for their success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is critical that needed reforms are not so dependent on the good will of any chief justice.

The New York Times

The document suggests that universities be forced to "develop sustainable funding models that are not so dependent on international students".

The Guardian

Last week, she suggested "universities should now develop sustainable funding models that are not so dependent on international students".

The Guardian

Really, we are giving them an honorable way of life where they are not so dependent on others".

The New York Times

In a recent confidential letter, May wrote that universities should "develop sustainable funding models that are not so dependent on international students".

The Guardian

StudioCanal's relatively recent foray into the family-film market – which saw their success with Paddington repeated with Shaun the Sheep Movie in 2015, an Aardman production which they financed – may also provide some insulation from Brexit-shock, given that films which perform well globally are not so dependent on European support.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Why does it matter that Tesla is making a fashion statement when the point is green power and a future where we aren't so dependent on fossil fuels?

TechCrunch

It's all handmade, theatre – we're not so dependent on technological stuff.

The Guardian

"The idea was: can technology play the same role in life that money plays so that we're not so dependent on money as a society?

The Guardian

The group wants to get more supplemental state aid for New Rochelle so the city is not so dependent on sales tax revenue.

The New York Times

But there is found to be a residue which is not so dependent; this is the part which can be expressed by the method of "tensors".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not so dependent" when you want to express a moderate lack of reliance, implying that some dependence may still exist but is not a dominant factor. For example, "Small businesses are often more agile because they are not so dependent on bureaucratic processes."

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complicating your sentences when using "are not so dependent". Sometimes a simpler phrase like "rely less on" can improve clarity and readability. Be direct unless nuance is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not so dependent" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by indicating a reduced degree of reliance. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not so dependent" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a reduced level of reliance, as validated by Ludwig. It is suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. While fully independent implies a complete absence of reliance, this phrase suggests a partial or diminished need for support or connection. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, "are not so dependent" is grammatically correct and its meaning is easy to grasp. Consider using alternatives such as "are not as reliant" or "do not rely as much" to fine-tune the meaning and tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as reliant

Replaces "so" with "as", changing the degree of emphasis slightly, making the phrase a bit more direct.

are not very dependent

Substitutes "so" with "very", indicating a less intense degree of dependence.

are not heavily dependent

Uses "heavily" to emphasize the extent of dependence being negated.

are less reliant

Simplifies the phrase to a direct comparison of reliance.

do not rely as much

Shifts the structure to an active voice, emphasizing the action of relying.

are fairly independent

Focuses on the state of being independent rather than the lack of dependence.

are not particularly reliant

Adds "particularly" to further soften the degree of dependence.

are not overly dependent

Uses "overly" to suggest that the level of dependence would be excessive.

are quite autonomous

Replaces the dependence concept with its opposite, autonomy, to create a stronger statement of independence.

are largely self-sufficient

Highlights the capacity for self-sufficiency as an alternative to dependence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not so dependent" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "are not as reliant", "exhibit less reliance", or "demonstrate reduced dependency" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "are not so dependent" and "are independent"?

"Are independent" implies a complete lack of reliance, while "are not so dependent" suggests a lesser degree of reliance but not necessarily complete independence. The latter allows for some level of support or connection.

Is it correct to use "are not so dependent on" in academic writing?

Yes, "are not so dependent on" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. However, ensure the phrasing fits the overall tone and clarity of your argument. Consider using more formal synonyms if appropriate.

What are some common phrases similar to "are not so dependent"?

Similar phrases include "are not very dependent", "do not rely as much", and "are largely self-sufficient", each carrying slightly different connotations.