depend simply on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depend simply on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something relies solely on a specific factor or condition without any additional complexities. Example: "The success of the project will depend simply on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

While Chaney's fine points are correct and crucial, the Knicks' chances of winning Friday's game at Madison Square Garden may depend simply on Kurt Thomas's ability to stay on the floor and off the referees.

The New York Times - Sports

Equation (14) suggests that the matching domain does not depend simply on the RMN but also on the combiner.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The belief that some of his ideas have their origin in things that exist external to, or independently of, his mind arises in part from ordinary (pre-philosophical) experience: "…I know by experience that these ideas do not depend on my will, and hence that they do not depend simply on me.

SEP

Scaling and distribution relationships reveal that folding rate, collapse, size, stability and diffusion of proteins depend simply on chain length [ 33].

BMC Systems Biology

Although TAT-BID entered into all examined cells, the taken amount was different for particular cell line and did not depend simply on the level of endogenous BID.

BMC Cancer

Given that a variety of cytokines are released from activated helper T cells, antibody production may not depend simply on IL-6.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The 15-year-old Betty, Tey's novel suggests, is a dangerously liminal creature, able to pass herself off as a schoolgirl or a tart, depending simply on whether she's wearing a blazer or lipstick.

The Guardian - Books

In the force pump the downward stroke of the piston forces water out through a side valve to a height that depends simply on the force applied to the piston.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bush spends a good deal of time on the stump deriding his rival, and the rest of the time he projects the attitude of a man who is running unopposed which he could be forgiven for thinking if the election depended simply on who is the better campaigner.

The New Yorker

Bush spends a good deal of time on the stump deriding his rival, and the rest of the time he projects the attitude of a man who is running unopposed — which he could be forgiven for thinking if the election depended simply on who is the better campaigner.

The New Yorker

In the rod-dominated retina e.g., in man under scotopic conditions— the a-wave is not prominent, and fusion depends simply on the tendency for the excitatory response to a flash to persist, the inhibitory effects of a succeeding stimulus being small.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depend simply on", ensure that the context genuinely reflects a single determining factor, avoiding oversimplification of complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "depend simply on" when multiple factors significantly contribute to the outcome, as this can mislead the reader. Instead, acknowledge the complexity and list all relevant factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depend simply on" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is contingent or reliant on a single, primary factor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is valid across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depend simply on" is a grammatically sound way to express that an outcome relies primarily on one specific factor. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and notes its use in diverse sources. While the phrase is effective for highlighting a singular determinant, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification and ensure the context genuinely warrants such a direct relationship. Alternatives like "rely exclusively on" or "hinge solely on" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Its frequency is uncommon, being most often used in scientific and news contexts. When used, it is important to assess if more than one factor is influencing the outcome, as this may be misleading for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinge solely on

Emphasizes the critical importance of a single factor.

rely exclusively on

Highlights the lack of other contributing factors.

be contingent solely upon

A more formal and emphatic way of stating reliance.

be determined exclusively by

Focuses on the aspect of determination by a single factor.

be governed solely by

Suggests a rule or principle based on a single element.

rest entirely on

Highlights that all support comes from one source.

be subject only to

Indicates that a single condition applies.

turn completely on

Emphasizes a turning point or change based on a single factor.

be purely a function of

A more technical way of expressing exclusive dependence.

be strictly a matter of

Reduces the situation to a single, specific aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "depend simply on" to show that one thing is determined by one factor. For example, "The project's success will "depend simply on" the team's effort."

What are some alternatives to "depend simply on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "rely exclusively on", "hinge solely on", or "be contingent solely upon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "depend simply on"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a specific outcome or result is primarily or solely determined by a single factor, and other influences are negligible.

Is it correct to say "depend simply on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is used in various reputable sources. However, ensure it accurately reflects the situation and isn't an oversimplification.