but it depends

USAGE SUMMARY

"but it depends" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest that something is only true or likely in certain circumstances. For example: "I'm sure you can find a job quickly, but it depends on your qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But "it depends on the relevance," he said.

The New York Times

But it depends on God.

The New York Times

"But it depends on presentation".

The New York Times

Sometimes nothing, but it depends.

The Economist

"But it depends on politics".

The New York Times

"But it depends on the weather.

The Guardian - Music

But it depends how you define stagnation.

Independent

But it depends how markets behave.

The Guardian

"But it depends on the context.

The New York Times

"But it depends on the area.

The New York Times

But it depends on your morality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but it depends", clearly state what the outcome depends on to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but it depends" without specifying the conditions. Always clarify what the outcome is contingent upon for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it depends" functions as a qualifier or hedge, indicating that a preceding statement is conditional and not universally true. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It introduces nuance and acknowledges that various factors can influence the outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but it depends" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a statement's validity is conditional on specific circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a qualifier, hedge, and acknowledgment of uncertainty. It is commonly found in news and media, science and formal business contexts. For more precise communication, clearly state the factors upon which the outcome depends. Alternatives such as "however it is conditional", "nonetheless it hinges on", and "yet it's contingent on" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, it is conditional

This alternative emphasizes the conditional nature of the statement, using "however" to introduce a contrast.

nonetheless, it hinges on

This phrase indicates that the outcome is reliant on a particular factor, using "hinges on" to show dependence.

yet, it's contingent on

This alternative highlights the contingency of the situation, using "contingent on" to express dependence on certain conditions.

still, it's subject to

This phrase suggests that the situation is liable to change based on external factors, using "subject to" to indicate susceptibility.

although, it's circumstantial

This alternative points out that the outcome is determined by the specific circumstances, using "circumstantial" to emphasize the context.

conversely, it's all relative

This phrase indicates that the situation is not absolute but depends on the point of view, using "all relative" to show subjectivity.

in contrast, it's situation-based

This alternative highlights that the outcome is based on the specific situation, using "situation-based" to emphasize context.

on the other hand, it varies

This phrase indicates that the outcome is not consistent but changes, using "varies" to show differences.

rather, it is determinant on

This alternative emphasizes that the outcome is depending on a very precise factor, using "determinant on" to show the importance of this factor.

instead, it's conditional upon

This alternative highlights that the result is depending on another thing, using "conditional upon" to show the importance of this condition.

FAQs

How can I use "but it depends" in a sentence?

Use "but it depends" to indicate that a statement is true only under certain conditions. For example, "Will the project succeed? But it depends on funding".

What are some alternatives to "but it depends"?

You can use alternatives like "however it is conditional", "nonetheless it hinges on", or "yet it's contingent on" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but it depends"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged in formal writing, it's acceptable in many contexts, especially when "but it depends" is used as a concise response or transition.

What's the difference between "but it depends" and "it varies"?

"But it depends" indicates that an outcome relies on specific conditions, whereas "it varies" suggests that something changes or differs without necessarily specifying the conditions.