Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
depend substantially on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "depend substantially on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the extent to which something relies on another factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project will depend substantially on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
30 human-written examples
Authors' livelihoods depend substantially on the collection of proceeds from subsidiary uses of their work after first publication.
Academia
This is relatively unattractive for the experts, whose results depend substantially on the mistakes made against them by the C group.
News & Media
As the paper notes, "the prices different organisations are charged for their purchases depend substantially on whether they meet local expectations for who they are and what they do.
News & Media
We first investigate whether the estimates of (ACa) depend substantially on the extension of the observed short wavelength wing of the Ca xix resonance line.
Science
This result has fundamental implications when attempting to elucidate the events of de-novo tissue development and remodeling in engineered tissues, which are thought to depend substantially on cellular deformations.
Science
In considering the practices of one group in particular, we try to show how, for members, the technical problems of determining what classification structure is appropriate, and what its boundaries might be, depend substantially on assumptions about the 'community' and its interests and purposes.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
30 human-written examples
However, in practice, substantial variability in productivity means the marginal productivity of labor depends substantially on which new workers are hired which requires not an estimate of a causal effect, but rather a prediction.
Academia
Among children, performance depends substantially on age.
Encyclopedias
That depends substantially on where government sets the boundaries.
News & Media
Peace or more war in Syria depends substantially on rival intelligence assessments.
News & Media
The magnitude of future climate change depends substantially on the greenhouse gas emission pathways we choose.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "depend substantially on", ensure that the degree of dependence is significant and plays a crucial role in the outcome or condition being discussed. Avoid using it for minor influences.
Common error
Avoid using "depend substantially on" when the relationship is only weakly correlated or slightly influenced. Reserve it for situations where there is a clear and significant reliance.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "depend substantially on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a significant level of reliance or dependence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show it describing how outcomes, conditions, or results are strongly affected by other factors.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Academia
12.5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
6.25%
Formal & Business
6.25%
Science & Research
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "depend substantially on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a significant level of reliance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is particularly common in scientific, academic, and formal contexts, where precision and emphasis on key dependencies are important. While "depend substantially on" is appropriate in formal writing, remember to use it when the degree of reliance is genuinely significant. For other cases consider using "depend on", "rely on" or any other alternatives, as appropriate to the context. Avoiding overuse will ensure that when you use "depend substantially on", you convey the intended impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
rely heavily on
Indicates a strong dependence, emphasizing the degree of reliance.
be greatly influenced by
Focuses on the impact one factor has on another, rather than direct dependence.
hinge significantly on
Suggests that the outcome or success is critically dependent on a particular element.
be largely determined by
Highlights the extent to which something is controlled or decided by another factor.
be predicated on
Implies that something is founded or based on a specific condition or assumption.
be contingent upon
Emphasizes the conditional nature of the relationship, where one thing is subject to another.
be subject to
Indicates vulnerability or susceptibility to the influence of something else.
rest significantly on
Similar to 'hinge on', but may suggest a broader base of support or reliance.
be materially affected by
Focuses on the degree of impact or change caused by a particular influence.
be considerably shaped by
Highlights the formative influence one factor has on another.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "depend substantially on" in a sentence?
You can use alternatives such as "rely heavily on", "be greatly influenced by", or "hinge significantly on", depending on the context.
Is "depend substantially on" formal or informal?
"Depend substantially on" is suitable for formal, academic, and professional contexts. It conveys a significant degree of reliance in a clear and precise manner. You can use "rely on" for informal contexts.
What does it mean when something "depends substantially on" something else?
It means that the first thing is heavily reliant on the second thing for its existence, success, or nature. A change in the second thing would significantly affect the first.
How is "depend substantially on" different from "depend slightly on"?
"Depend substantially on" indicates a strong and significant reliance, while "depend slightly on" suggests only a minor or marginal influence. The choice between them depends on the degree of impact.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested