can depend on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can depend on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that one thing or person's success or progress is contingent on another. For example, "Your success in this job can depend on the support of your colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A student's fate can depend on one adult's judgment call.

The New York Times

You can depend on them.

The New York Times

"Someone you can depend on.

The New York Times

You can depend on her".

The New York Times - Sports

And you can depend on it".

The New Yorker

You can depend on him.

Harvard Business Review

Their lives, literally, can depend on it.

The Guardian - Books

I don't believe we can depend on Washington.

The New York Times

I think the network can depend on the show again".

The New York Times

You can depend on this column to do its bit.

The Guardian

And your brothers are all you can depend on.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can depend on", clearly specify both the subject that is relying on something and the factor it is dependent on to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying too heavily on "can depend on" in formal contexts can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for stronger synonyms like "hinges on" or "is contingent upon" for variety and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can depend on" functions as a verb phrase indicating reliance or contingency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it is widely used to express that an outcome or characteristic is subject to or influenced by a particular factor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can depend on" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate reliance or contingency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While "can depend on" is commonly used, it's important to consider alternative phrases like "can rely on" or "is contingent on" to avoid repetition and maintain clarity. Ensure the context makes the dependency clear for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can rely on

Expresses a similar sentiment of trust and reliance, with a slightly more formal tone.

can count on

Similar to "can depend on" but implies a slightly stronger sense of certainty and expectation.

can hinge on

Emphasizes that something is entirely conditional or determined by a specific factor.

can rest on

Suggests that something is supported or based on something else.

is contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of something, emphasizing that it is subject to certain circumstances.

is subject to

Indicates that something is affected by or dependent on something else, often implying potential changes.

is determined by

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, stating that something is directly decided by another factor.

is conditional upon

Similar to "is contingent on", but with a slightly more formal or legalistic tone.

is influenced by

Suggests that something is affected or swayed by another factor, but not necessarily completely determined by it.

is predicated on

Implies that something is founded or based on a particular assumption or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "can depend on" in a sentence?

Use "can depend on" to indicate that the outcome or success of something relies on another factor. For example, "The project's success "can depend on" securing adequate funding".

What are some alternatives to "can depend on"?

You can use alternatives like "can rely on", "can count on", or "is contingent on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "depends of" instead of "can depend on"?

No, "depends of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""can depend on"" or simply "depends on".

What's the difference between "can depend on" and "can rely on"?

While both phrases express reliance, ""can depend on"" implies a broader sense of contingency, while "can rely on" suggests a more confident expectation of support or assistance.