depend on violence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depend on violence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, actions, or systems that rely on or are sustained by violent means. Example: "Some groups may feel they have no choice but to depend on violence to achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In its modern version, the insight that law and morality depend on violence is at least as old as Hobbes, and so is the argument that "massively destructive weapons could be humanitarian, if they were meant to end a war".

The New Yorker

They are bankers, pharmaceutical house CEOs, weapons manufacturers and a thousand other corporate interests whose gross profits depend on violence, hatred, distrust and deception.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to Amir-Arjomand, the regime in Tehran depends on violence to secure its existence.

The Guardian

The story of reform in Burma will depend on whether violence against minorities is appropriately addressed or whether it becomes a permanent feature of the national landscape.

Huffington Post

Homeless women are far more likely to experience violence of all sorts than women in general, ranging from two to four times more likely, depending on the violence type.

BMC Public Health

A film, depending on its violence, nudity, sensuality, or objectionable language, would be rated G, for general audiences; PG, parental guidance suggested, but all ages admitted; R, restricted (no one under sixteen admitted without an adult); or X, no one under seventeen admitted.

The New Yorker

The wave height of the seiches at the lake shore depends on the violence of the trigger, lake water volume, and basin morphology.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

But Mina al-Orabi believes there are signs that Isis deals with local militants are already starting to unravel, meaning: "Isis can only rule depending on brute violence or the threat of using it".

BBC

The NRA depends on gun violence being an abstract concept to most Americans.

HuffPost

The people responsible for the violence depend on the "passive participation" of those who tolerate it.

The New York Times

Immigration rates, both legal and illegal, will depend on more than just violence in Mexico, experts said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "depend on violence", ensure that the context clearly specifies what entities or systems rely on violence and for what purpose, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "depend on violence" in overly broad statements without specific subjects or applications as it may lead to misinterpretations or weaken the argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depend on violence" functions as a verbal phrase indicating reliance or contingency on violent actions. This use highlights that something's existence, operation, or outcome is fundamentally tied to the application of force or aggression. Ludwig confirms this.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depend on violence" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe reliance on force. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Though relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal documents. High-quality sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian use it to analyze power dynamics and systemic issues. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what relies on violence and why, avoiding overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on aggression

Focuses on the aggressive aspect of the reliance.

hinge on brutality

Emphasizes the brutal nature of the dependency.

be sustained by force

Highlights how violence provides continuous support.

be contingent on coercion

Indicates that violence is a necessary condition.

be predicated on aggression

Suggests that violence is a fundamental basis.

necessitate violent means

Emphasizes that violent actions are required.

require the use of force

Focuses on the active implementation of power.

exploit violent actions

Highlights taking advantage of violence.

be built upon intimidation

Emphasizes the terror that serves as a base.

be fueled by conflict

Highlights violence as the energy source.

FAQs

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

You can use "depend on violence" to describe systems or entities that rely on violent actions for their existence or function. For instance: "The regime in Tehran "depends on violence" to secure its existence."

What are some alternatives to "depend on violence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "rely on aggression", "be sustained by force", or "hinge on brutality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "depend on violence"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The verb "depend" is correctly used with the preposition "on" and the noun "violence" to indicate reliance on violent means.

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

"Depend on violence" and "rely on violence" are largely interchangeable. "Rely" might imply a slightly more conscious choice, while "depend" could suggest a more inherent necessity, but the practical difference is minimal.