be dependent on the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dependent on the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing reliance or need for something or someone in a specific context. Example: "Many students may be dependent on the internet for their research and studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The number of albums shipped will be dependent on the single's radio success.

The New York Times - Magazine

Falconer told the BBC that people should not be dependent on the discretion of a prosecutor.

The Guardian

"I expect their interest would be dependent on the Ventura situation," Katz said.

The New York Times - Sports

But, really, China doesn't want to be dependent on the United States".

The New York Times

"We're going to be dependent on the Internet, and I don't think you can stop that".

The New York Times

A Labour/Lib Dem coalition would be dependent on the support of other smaller parties.

The Guardian

After that point, snow accumulation is expected to be dependent on the banding of precipitation, not temperature.

The Guardian

A further 5,000 workers in the supply chain were said to be dependent on the firm.

The Guardian - Business

"Seleznyov will be dependent on the Kremlin, and thankful," said Masha Lipman, deputy editor of the news magazine Itogi.

The New York Times

"He does not want to be dependent on the C.I.A. for intelligence to prepare the battlefield for his troops".

The New Yorker

Some staff members expressed concern that peace might be dependent on the large numbers of police officers and safety agents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dependent on the", ensure the context clearly indicates what is relying on what. Clarity is key for avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be dependent on the" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb like "rely" would be more effective and concise. For example, instead of "The project will be dependent on the budget", consider "The project relies on the budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dependent on the" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating that the subject's state or outcome is contingent upon a specified condition or factor. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, to show how something relies on something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

18%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be dependent on the" is a versatile expression for indicating that one thing relies on or is conditioned by another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. While it's suitable for expressing conditionality across diverse subjects like scientific findings or news events, remember that in some simple sentences, a more concise alternative like "rely on" may be more effective. As seen in Ludwig's examples, the key is to ensure clarity in specifying what exactly is relying on what, thus avoiding any ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on

Focuses on the action of depending, shorter and more direct.

hinge on

Emphasizes that something is determined by a single factor.

be contingent on

A more formal way of saying "be dependent on".

rest on

Implies that something is supported or based on something else.

be subject to

Suggests that something is affected by something else.

be determined by

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship.

be conditional upon

Indicates a requirement or condition that must be met.

pivot on

Suggests a crucial turning point or decision.

be at the mercy of

Emphasizes a lack of control.

answer to

This alternative implies a degree of submission to a certain condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "be dependent on the" to show that one thing relies on or is determined by another. For example: "The success of the mission will be dependent on the weather conditions".

What are some alternatives to "be dependent on the"?

Alternatives include "rely on", "hinge on", or "be contingent on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Depend on" is generally more concise and commonly used. "Be dependent on" is more formal and can be used for emphasis or in specific grammatical structures.

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

While both phrases express a state of reliance, "be dependent on the" is slightly more common. "Be reliant on the" might suggest a slightly stronger or more conscious reliance.