could hinge on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could hinge on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is dependent or contingent upon another factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project could hinge on securing adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Heymann acknowledged that it seemed unlikely on its face that such a huge deal could hinge on one decision in one slice of an enormous company.

The New York Times

The results could hinge on how well Rose, one of the game's best point guards, reacclimates over the final nine games.

The New York Times - Sports

There is also a possibility (albeit a slim one) that control of the Senate could hinge on Orman, should he defeat Roberts on Tuesday.

Vice

His future could hinge on a Cavaliers championship — the theory being that no one walks away from his own parade.

The New York Times - Sports

A decision could hinge on which party controls the Senate.

The New York Times

Prentice's fate could hinge on the public's response.

The New York Times

And that question could hinge on another: when will Gov.

The New York Times

The choice of Mr. Pandit could hinge on Mr. Rubin's willingness to stay on.

The New York Times

This year, Florida's electoral votes could hinge on how those Jewish retirees vote.

The New York Times

Brad Eichler, an analyst with Stephens Inc., said earnings could hinge on grain prices.

The New York Times

This is not the first time a Patriots playoff game could hinge on stopping the run.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could hinge on" when emphasizing that a single factor has significant importance in determining the final outcome or success of something. For example, "The company's future could hinge on the success of this product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "could hinge on" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "depends on" or "relies on" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could hinge on" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating that a future outcome is highly dependent on a specific factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show how it connects a subject (e.g., 'the results', 'his future') to a condition or deciding factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could hinge on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It serves to emphasize that an outcome critically depends on a particular factor. Primarily found in news, formal business settings, and sports contexts, this phrase should be used with awareness of its formal tone, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "might depend on" or "could rely on" for varied expression. Mastering the nuance of "could hinge on" will refine your writing and enhance its precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be dependent on

Directly expresses dependence of an outcome on another factor.

might depend on

Replaces "hinge" with "depend", suggesting a reliance but potentially less critical.

could turn on

Similar to "hinge on", implying a pivotal point or deciding factor.

could be conditional on

Explicitly states the conditionality of the situation.

could rely on

Similar to "depend on", indicating reliance for a specific outcome.

may rest on

Suggests that the outcome heavily relies on a single factor.

may be contingent upon

Uses more formal language to express conditionality.

might be determined by

Focuses on the aspect of determination, where the outcome is decided by a factor.

may be influenced by

Indicates that the outcome is affected, but not necessarily entirely determined, by a factor.

might be subject to

Indicates that the outcome is susceptible to influence or change based on something.

FAQs

How can I use "could hinge on" in a sentence?

"Could hinge on" is used to express that an outcome is highly dependent on a particular factor. For example, "The success of the project "could hinge on" securing enough funding."

What can I say instead of "could hinge on"?

You can use alternatives like "might depend on", "could rely on", or "may be contingent upon" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "could depend on" or "could hinge on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""could hinge on"" suggests a higher degree of dependence and criticality than "could depend on". Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of impact the factor has on the outcome.

What's the nuance between "could hinge on" and "could turn on"?

"Could hinge on" implies that everything depends on that specific factor for success. Whereas "could turn on" suggests that it can influence the direction or result but not necessarily determine the success.