depend

USAGE SUMMARY

"depend" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb to mean to be determined by or rely on someone or something else. Example sentence: The outcome of the election will depend on how many people turn out to vote.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Access to treatment should not depend on whether someone can spare the money.

The Guardian

After all, protection of this great forest – and its continuing mysteries – will depend on the decisions of the Congolese.

The Guardian

"Ultimately it will depend on the view parliament takes about public service broadcasting.

The Guardian

Or is the only way you get media attention by ripping apart somebody else?" Related: Get to know Bernie Sanders, your latest (socialist!) candidate for president Sanders did say Clinton should indicate her position on the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal which is dividing Democrats and forcing Obama to depend on Republican support in Congress.

The Guardian

Now locals, whose livelihoods depend on the plants, are appealing for funds to save the lavender that has been produced in the region since the Middle Ages.

The Guardian

The industry's prizes to itself have become one of two TV events – the other being tomorrow's Eurovision Song Contest (BBC1, 8pm) – that depend heavily on the distracting wit and charm of Graham Norton.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Of course that will depend on which measure you use, but even if his number was right, one has to doubt whether the country will believe it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much will depend on how well he starts.

The Guardian - Sport

But the final result will depend on complicated preference flows.

The Guardian

Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute of Public Affairs, an independent thinktank in Warsaw, said Poland's relations with other European powers would now depend on whether Duda sticks to the relatively moderate agenda he campaigned on or embraces his party leader's more combative foreign policy stance.

The Guardian

"Asian countries generally still depend on imports of major weapons, which have strongly increased and will remain high in the near future".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depend", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what the subject is dependent on. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "depend". The correct prepositions are "on" or "upon". For example, use "depend on" instead of "depend in" or "depend at".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "depend" is as an intransitive verb. It indicates a state of reliance, contingency, or being determined by something else. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "depend" is a versatile and commonly used term signifying reliance or contingency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and demonstrates its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically straightforward, remember to use the correct prepositions ("on" or "upon") and clarify the relationship of dependence to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "rely on" or "hinge on" to add nuance to your writing. The phrase is widely understood and appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on

Focuses on the act of relying or trusting in something or someone.

hinge on

Emphasizes that something is critically determined by a single factor.

be contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of something, dependent on certain circumstances.

be subject to

Indicates that something is controlled or affected by something else.

be determined by

Focuses on the causal relationship where something is decided or influenced by another.

rest on

Suggests that something is based on or supported by a particular foundation or condition.

be conditional upon

Similar to "be contingent on", but with a slightly more formal tone.

turn on

Implies that the outcome or result is directly affected by a particular factor.

be at the mercy of

Highlights a lack of control, where something is vulnerable and influenced by external forces.

answer to

Focuses on the responsibility and accountability to something or someone.

FAQs

How do I use "depend" in a sentence?

"Depend" is used to show that something is reliant or contingent on something else. For example, "The success of the project will "depend on" the team's effort."

What can I say instead of "depend"?

You can use alternatives like "rely on", "hinge on", or "be contingent on depending on the context".

Which is correct, "depend on" or "depend in"?

"Depend on" is the correct phrase. "Depend in" is grammatically incorrect.

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

While ""depend on"" and "rely on" are similar, "rely on" often implies a greater degree of trust or confidence in something or someone.