depend on the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depend on the time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something may vary or change based on the specific time or timing involved. Example: "The availability of the service may depend on the time of day you request it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Multivoltine insects lay more than one brood per year, and their classification as semelparous or iteroparous may depend on the time scale of reference [ 18].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It certainly didn't depend on the time you spent on it".

The New Yorker

(Estimates depend on the time period, the income tiers and the definition of inequality).

The New York Times

The distinction between solids and fluids is not precise and in many cases will depend on the time scale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The total used, and the proportion of fat calories to carbohydrate calories used, depend on the time spent exercising, the intensity and the underlying conditioning of your body.

The New York Times - Science

The findings proved that the NHS had to improve, because quality of care should not depend on the time and day a patient is admitted, said David Stout, deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals.

The Guardian

Both activity and selectivity depend on the time on stream.

Catalysis Today

Costs and cost savings also depend on the time horizon of the evaluation.

Health Economics Review

Thus, the value of gap accepted will depend on the time needed in clearing the intersection.

Journal of Modern Transportation

The effects also depend on the time elapsed since the insult.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Now all variables depend on the time slot t at which transmission occurs.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depend on the time", be specific about what aspect of time is relevant (e.g., time of day, time of year, duration).

Common error

Avoid using "depend on the time" without providing context. Specify which timeframe is crucial to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of stating "The outcome depends on the time", clarify it to "The outcome depends on the time of year due to seasonal variations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depend on the time" functions as a conditional modifier, indicating that a particular outcome, condition, or factor is contingent upon a specific temporal aspect. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound and pervasive across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depend on the time" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is conditional on or varies with a specific temporal aspect. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase finds its strongest application in scientific and news-related domains, reflecting its utility in describing time-sensitive phenomena. While broadly applicable, clarity is enhanced by specifying the time scale. Consider using synonyms like "hinge on the timing" or "vary based on the moment" for stylistic variation, ensuring that the selected alternative aligns with the intended register and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinge on the timing

Replaces "depend" with "hinge", emphasizing that the outcome pivots on the specific timing.

rely on the temporal aspect

Replaces "depend" with "rely" and "time" with "temporal aspect", making the phrase more formal.

be contingent on the hour

Substitutes "depend" with "be contingent" and "time" with "hour", focusing on a specific point in time.

be subject to the time frame

Replaces "depend" with "be subject" and "time" with "time frame", highlighting that the result is influenced by a period of time.

be determined by the schedule

Replaces "depend" with "be determined" and "time" with "schedule", indicating a pre-arranged timing.

be a function of the hour

Replaces "depend" with "be a function" and "time" with "hour", suggesting a mathematical or direct relationship.

turn on the epoch

Replaces "depend" with "turn on" and "time" with "epoch", denoting a specific point of time in a historical timeline.

is a matter of timing

Replaces "depend on the time" with "is a matter of timing", shifting the focus to the importance of selecting the right moment.

vary based on the moment

Replaces "depend" with "vary" and "time" with "moment", emphasizing the variability based on an instant.

fluctuate according to the clock

Replaces "depend" with "fluctuate" and "time" with "clock", suggesting regular changes based on time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "depend on the time"?

You can use alternatives like "hinge on the timing", "rely on the temporal aspect", or "vary based on the moment" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "depends on the time"?

It means that the outcome, result, or state of something is affected or determined by the specific time or period in question. The exact impact will vary based on the circumstances.

Is it always necessary to specify the timeframe when using "depend on the time"?

While not always strictly required, specifying the timeframe usually improves clarity and avoids ambiguity. Consider whether the context makes the relevant timeframe obvious.

Can "depend on the time" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "depend on the time" is appropriate for formal writing. However, in some cases, a more sophisticated synonym like "be contingent on the hour" might be preferred for stylistic reasons.