be depended on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be depended on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something or someone is relied on by another person or thing. Example sentence: "The company depends on its employees to make sure that work gets done correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Christmas is the one time they can be depended on to return.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had already acquired a reputation as an independent and freewheeling artist, but also one who could not be depended on to complete commissions.

Huffington Post

The fourth question assessed the number of people outside of the family and within one hour of home that can be depended on.

BMC Psychiatry

It will be depended on fate by the wheel on the wall, green means they have one more chance.

WikiHow

"An 86-year-old man can't be depended on!

The New York Times

But tricks, he has learned, can't be depended on.

The New York Times

"It cannot be depended on by those seeking stability".

The Economist

"We're looked to as the group that's going to be depended on to get things done.

Princeton University

Ronald K. Brown can be depended on for powerful, stylish modern dance choreography.

The New York Times - Arts

Karla Wolfangle can be depended on for interestingly oddball dance ideas.

The New York Times - Arts

As a bowler he cannot be depended on to keep his end tight.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be depended on", ensure the subject clearly indicates what or who is doing the depending. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be depended on" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The project is depended on by the team", consider "The team depends on the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be depended on" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of depending. According to Ludwig, it signifies that something or someone is relied upon by another entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be depended on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that signifies reliance or trust. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, although careful consideration should be given to whether an active construction might be more direct. The analysis reveals its frequent presence in news, science, and academic sources, demonstrating its versatility and acceptance across different registers. Writers should focus on ensuring clarity and avoiding passive voice overuse to maximize the impact of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relied upon

Replaces "depended" with "relied", offering a slightly more formal tone.

be counted on

Uses "counted" instead of "depended", suggesting a more active sense of trust.

be trusted

Focuses directly on the concept of trust, simplifying the phrase.

be someone to lean on

Emphasizes the supportive aspect of dependability, changing the structure to focus on a person.

be a safe bet

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey reliability in terms of predictability.

be a sure thing

Similar to "be a safe bet", but implies an even higher degree of certainty.

be faithful

Highlights loyalty and consistency as aspects of dependability.

be there for someone

Focuses on availability and support as key components of being dependable.

be responsible

Emphasizes the aspect of accountability and fulfilling obligations.

deliver consistently

Highlights the act of producing reliable results over time.

FAQs

How can I use "be depended on" in a sentence?

Use "be depended on" to indicate reliance. For example, "The success of the mission will "be depended on" his skills and experience."

What is a synonym for "be depended on"?

A close synonym for "be depended on" is "be relied on". Both phrases convey the idea that someone or something is trusted and counted upon.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be depended on"?

While "be depended on" is in the passive voice, consider whether an active construction like "rely on" might be clearer. For example, instead of "The outcome can "be depended on"", you might say "We rely on the outcome".

Can "be depended on" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be depended on" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the tone aligns with the rest of your document. Alternatives like "be relied upon" may sometimes sound more formal depending on the context.