being dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

"being dependent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone whose survival or success relies on or depends on someone else (e.g., a parent, employee, or government). Example: "The children in the orphanage are dependent on support from the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dependency in pADL was defined as being dependent in at least one activity in pADL.

Clinical interventions in aging

Being dependent.

The New York Times

Everything that happens to our profession is framed as being dependent on other people.

The Guardian

It's a consequence of being dependent on breakthrough products for its survival.

The Guardian - Tech

They want to see us all the time being dependent on oil.

The New Yorker

Second, talking about a certain number of jobs being dependent on the EU is misleading.

The Guardian

She doesn't like being dependent on others, even for just a ride.

The New Yorker

I expect the work onstage to hold its own ground without being dependent on its references.

The New York Times

Going broke, financially, and worse, creatively, being dependent on others, the collapse of the body, the collapse of the mind.

The Guardian - Books

While in hospital, Uematsu was diagnosed as suffering from paranoia as well as being dependent on cannabis, the official added.

The Guardian

This is the reality of being dependent on foreign oil supplies for more than 50percentt of our energy needs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being dependent", ensure the context clearly specifies what or whom the subject is dependent on. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being dependent" without specifying the object of dependence. For example, instead of saying "The project is being dependent", clarify with "The project is being dependent on external funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being dependent" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes a state or condition of relying on something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being dependent" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of reliance or contingency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While widely applicable, clarity is essential: specify the object of dependence to avoid ambiguity. Consider synonyms like "relying on" or "depending on" for varied expression. Ultimately, mastering "being dependent" involves understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being reliant

A synonym for "being dependent", emphasizing the state of needing support.

depending on

Similar to "relying on", but with a slightly broader scope, covering both material and immaterial dependencies.

relying on

Focuses on the act of depending on something or someone.

hinging on

Highlights that something is critically dependent, where the outcome relies on a specific factor.

contingent upon

Highlights the conditional nature of dependence, suggesting something is subject to chance or linked to a specific condition.

conditioned by

Implies that dependence is shaped or influenced by specific factors or circumstances.

subject to

Emphasizes that something is under the control or influence of something else.

based on

Indicates that something is founded or relies on a particular factor.

turning on

Indicates that the outcome or status is fully dictated by another factor.

at the mercy of

Stresses a lack of control and vulnerability due to dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "being dependent" in a sentence?

You can use "being dependent" to describe a state of reliance. For example: "The company's success is largely based on "being dependent on market trends"".

What are some alternatives to "being dependent"?

Alternatives include "relying on", "depending on", or "being reliant", which all convey a similar sense of reliance.

Is it better to say "being dependent" or "depending"?

Both "being dependent" and "depending" can be correct, but they function differently. "Being dependent" is a gerund phrase, while "depending" is a present participle. The best choice depends on the sentence structure; for example, "Depending on the weather, we will postpone the event".

What does it mean to say something is "contingent upon" something else?

Saying something is "contingent upon" something else means it's conditional or dependent on that other thing. Similar to "hinging on", it suggests that the first thing can only happen if the second thing is present or true.