be dependent upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dependent upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express reliance or need for something or someone. Example: "The success of the project will be dependent upon the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its realization should not be dependent upon extraordinary opportunities.

The New York Times

May be dependent upon Wenger getting another forward in".

The Guardian - Sport

(Positive effects? Negative?) Do you consider yourself to be dependent upon technology?

The New York Times

Already, administration officials are saying a pullout will be dependent upon what is going on in two years.

The New York Times

Actually she does not let him get around by himself at all and forces him to be dependent upon her.

The New Yorker

"It also seems to be dependent upon who you're calling - if that customer subscribes to a certain company".

The New York Times

Therefore, response of SA- and JA-signaling to microbial pathogens seems different and may be dependent upon various pathosystems.

Nature

Plaque formation was once thought to be dependent upon hypercholesterolemia alone, or solely in response to injury.

Nature

The nature of rafting is shown experimentally to be dependent upon the lattice parameter misfit.

Scripta Materialia

This enhanced AMϕ activation phenotype was found to be dependent upon nanoparticle internalization.

Biomaterials

The encapsulation efficiency was found to be dependent upon the concentration of the drug utilized.

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dependent upon", ensure the context clearly identifies what is relying on what. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the relationship precisely.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "be dependent upon" can sound overly formal in casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "rely on" or "depends on" for a more natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dependent upon" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a relationship of reliance or conditionality between two elements. It indicates that the existence, outcome, or characteristic of one thing is determined by another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be dependent upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate reliance or conditionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across diverse contexts, although it tends to lean towards a more formal register. It appears most often in scientific and news-related sources. While acceptable for most writing scenarios, simpler alternatives like "rely on" may be preferable in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship between the dependent and the determining factors is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on

Uses a simpler verb to convey dependence.

hinge on

Suggests a critical point of dependence, where everything turns on this factor.

be contingent on

Emphasizes conditionality; something happens only if a condition is met.

rest on

Highlights that something is supported or based on something else.

be subject to

Indicates that something is affected by or controlled by something else.

be determined by

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship where one thing dictates another.

be conditional on

Similar to "be contingent on" but emphasizes the necessity of a specific condition.

answer to

Highlights the element of accountability or explanation for the action.

be influenced by

Suggests that something is affected or changed by something else.

be predicated on

Implies a fundamental assumption or basis upon which something is built.

FAQs

What does "be dependent upon" mean?

The phrase "be dependent upon" means that something relies on or is determined by something else. It indicates a relationship where one thing cannot exist or function without the support or influence of another.

What can I say instead of "be dependent upon"?

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

Is it better to say "be dependent on" or "be dependent upon"?

"Be dependent on" and "be dependent upon" are both grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Be dependent on" is more common in modern usage, while "be dependent upon" can sound slightly more formal.

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

Use "be dependent upon" to show that one thing is conditioned or determined by another. For example: "The success of the project will be dependent upon the team's collaboration."