cannot depend on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot depend on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something or someone is unreliable or not trustworthy. Example: "In this situation, we cannot depend on external factors to determine our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In today's austere age many businesses cannot depend on rising sales volumes to lift their profits.

The Economist

"I think, for us to win, for us to be successful, we cannot depend on one guy," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We cannot depend on any one person".

The New Yorker

But, he added, "the fate of an entire prison population cannot depend on the ransom of one young man...

The New Yorker

People are angry that they are dependent; people are angry they cannot depend on getting more.

The New York Times

We cannot depend on emerging technologies to save us, because no one technology can.

Huffington Post

Mr. Schneider, whose children are grown, cannot depend on bonding.

The New York Times

Which proves that you cannot depend on a brand name.

The New York Times

"We cannot depend on God's will for our crops.

The New York Times

It should not, however, obscure the fact that Bosnia cannot depend on Europe alone.

The New York Times

"Delhi cannot depend on coal for energy any more, nor can it look to other states.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot depend on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unreliable or untrustworthy. For example, "We cannot depend on the weather for our outdoor event" clarifies the weather's unpredictability.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot depend on" when a degree of reliance is acceptable or necessary. Instead, choose phrases that reflect partial dependence, such as "should not solely depend on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot depend on" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of reliance or trust. Ludwig's examples show it used to indicate that something should not be the primary source of support or expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot depend on" is a versatile expression used to convey a lack of reliance or trust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While "cannot depend on" is often used interchangeably with "cannot rely on" and "cannot count on", it's crucial to ensure that the context warrants a complete lack of dependence, and not just a reduced level of reliance. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing caution and promoting self-reliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot rely on

Emphasizes a lack of trust or confidence in something.

cannot count on

Highlights the uncertainty of something happening or being available.

cannot trust in

Focuses specifically on the lack of trust or belief in something.

should not bank on

Suggests a degree of risk in placing hope or expectation on something.

cannot place reliance on

Highlights the act of depending on something as unreliable.

must not lean on

Implies a need for self-reliance rather than relying on external support.

cannot look to

Indicates the inability to seek assistance or provision from a specific source.

cannot pin hopes on

Emphasizes that expectations should not be based on a particular thing.

cannot turn to

Suggests that a particular entity is not a viable option for support or help.

ought not to hinge on

Suggests that something important should not be determined by a single factor.

FAQs

What does "cannot depend on" mean?

The phrase "cannot depend on" means that something or someone is unreliable and should not be the primary source of support or expectation.

How can I use "cannot depend on" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot depend on" to express a lack of reliance: "We cannot depend on external funding for this project."

What can I say instead of "cannot depend on"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot rely on", "cannot count on", or "should not bank on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever correct to use "can depend on"?

Yes, "can depend on" is the opposite of "cannot depend on" and signifies reliability and trustworthiness. It's perfectly acceptable to use it when something is a dependable resource.