be predicated on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be predicated on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is based on or depends upon a particular principle or condition. Example: "The success of the project will be predicated on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Various dimensions of the sexual self-concept, including sexual readiness, are thought to be predicated on one's age [ 7, 22, 27].

BMC Public Health

"The plan is going to be predicated on Khalid.

The New York Times - Sports

But he insisted that it must be predicated on American respect for Afghan culture and laws.

The New York Times

Any deal will almost certainly be predicated on a 50-50 split of revenues.

The New York Times - Sports

Marriage seems to be predicated on protecting a very deep and intimate form of mystery.

The New Yorker

The system's legitimacy is said to be predicated on divine approbation as determined by the clerisy.

The New York Times

His return would seem to be predicated on lengthy service as a Yankees homer.

The New York Times - Sports

This willingness, however, will be predicated on a freeze in North Korea's nuclear and missile activities.

The New York Times

have supposed that treatment should be predicated on a realistic view of what can and cannot be enforced.

The New Yorker

Stardom used to be predicated on a mystique derived from scarcity; you don't really know much about George Clooney.

The New Yorker

DO HO SUH Suh's sculptures tend to be predicated on elaborate visual tricks, and "Cause & Effect" is no exception.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be predicated on", ensure that the relationship between the subject and the condition is clear. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what exactly depends on what.

Common error

Avoid using "be predicated on" when a simpler phrase like "be based on" or "depend on" suffices. Overusing complex language can obscure your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be predicated on" functions as a linking verb followed by a prepositional phrase. It connects a subject to a condition or basis upon which the subject depends. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be predicated on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate dependence or conditionality. While Ludwig AI confirms it's correctness, it's important to remember it's a more formal phrase, so simpler alternatives like "be based on" or "depend on" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence in science and news media. Therefore, use it wisely to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be based on

This alternative is simpler and more direct, focusing on the foundation of something.

be dependent on

This alternative highlights the reliance of one thing on another for its existence or operation.

rely upon

This emphasizes the act of depending on something, often suggesting trust or expectation.

hinge on

This alternative implies that the outcome or success is directly determined by a single factor.

rest on

This suggests that something is supported or sustained by a particular base or condition.

be contingent on

This highlights that something is subject to chance or certain conditions being met.

be conditional on

This makes the dependence explicit by using a term that directly evokes a conditional statement.

stem from

This emphasizes the origin or cause of something, suggesting it arises directly from that source.

arise from

Similar to 'stem from', but slightly more formal, denoting the start or appearance of something.

be grounded in

This suggests that something is firmly established or rooted in a particular foundation or principle.

FAQs

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

Use "be predicated on" to indicate that something is based on or depends upon a specific condition or principle. For example: "The success of the mission will "be predicated on" careful planning."

What's a simpler alternative to "be predicated on"?

You can often replace "be predicated on" with alternatives like "be based on", "depend on", or "rely on" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be predicated on" or "be based on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "be predicated on" is more formal. "Be based on" is generally suitable for most contexts, while "be predicated on" can add a touch of sophistication when appropriate.

What is the difference between "be predicated on" and "be contingent on"?

"Be predicated on" suggests a necessary foundation or logical consequence, while "be contingent on" implies a dependence that is subject to chance or external factors. The first expresses dependency, the second expresses conditionality.