be dependent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dependent on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe when something relies on something else for its existence, functioning, or support. For example: "He is dependent on his parents for emotional and financial support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One false move and any one of us could be dependent on Alan Bennett's largesse.

The Guardian - Film

So I will be dependent on you for all time.

The Guardian

They're not here to be dependent on government".

The New Yorker

Any further help will be dependent on that".

The Guardian - Business

Patients tend to be dependent on their therapists.

The New York Times - Health

But should a ballet be dependent on programme notes?

The Guardian

She will be dependent on superdelegates," Sanders said.

The New Yorker

I thought: This baby's going to be dependent on me?

The New York Times

Their livelihood may be dependent on a security clearance.

Cornell University

Moral action shouldn't be dependent on how rich you are.

The Economist

Our continued investment must be dependent on their performance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dependent on", ensure the context clearly defines what is relying on what. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity. For instance, instead of saying 'Success will be dependent,' specify 'The project's success will be dependent on securing funding.'

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses together using "be dependent on", as this can lead to convoluted writing. Break down complex sentences for better readability. For example, instead of 'The company's profits, which are dependent on market trends, can be severely impacted if consumer spending, which is also dependent on economic stability, declines,' consider separating these ideas into shorter, more manageable sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dependent on" functions as a prepositional phrase that indicates reliance, contingency, or conditionality. It connects a subject to the factor upon which it relies, as seen in various examples identified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be dependent on" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express reliance or conditionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While highly frequent, it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Consider alternatives like ""rely on"" or "hinge on" for conciseness or specific emphasis. Remember to specify the elements being connected to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on

This alternative is more concise and commonly used, directly indicating reliance.

be reliant on

Similar to "rely on", but slightly more formal, indicating a state of dependence.

be contingent on

This alternative highlights the conditional nature of the relationship, emphasizing that something will only occur if something else does.

be determined by

This alternative emphasizes that the outcome or state of something is decided by something else.

be conditional on

This alternative stresses that the result is subject to specific condition(s).

hinge on

This alternative emphasizes the crucial importance of the factor upon which something depends.

rest on

This alternative suggests that something is supported or based on something else.

be predicated on

This alternative suggests that something is based on a particular assumption or condition.

be subject to

This alternative implies that something is influenced or controlled by something else, often with a negative connotation.

be at the mercy of

This alternative highlights a vulnerable situation, implying lack of control over the influencing factor.

FAQs

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

Use "be dependent on" to indicate reliance or contingency. For example, "The success of the mission will "depend on" the weather conditions", or "Elderly people often "rely on" others for assistance".

What are some alternatives to "be dependent on"?

You can use phrases like ""rely on"", "hinge on", or "be contingent on" as alternatives to "be dependent on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "be dependent on" or "rely on"?

"Be dependent on" is generally considered slightly more formal than ""rely on"", though both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What is the difference between "be dependent on" and "be conditional on"?

"Be dependent on" suggests a general reliance, whereas "be conditional on" emphasizes that something will only happen if a specific condition is met. The latter has a more explicit if-then implication.