dependence on someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependence on someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing reliance or need for support from another person. Example: "Her dependence on someone for emotional support was evident." Alternative expressions include "reliance on someone" and "need for someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And lastly, leaders often would rather fail than to admit their dependence on someone else.

Harvard Business Review

Johnson's Alice realises that dependence on someone else just to avoid spooning a pillow isn't worth risking her own happiness.

The Guardian - Film

The risk factors associated are recent worsening of health, living with a mentally ill person, excessive consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs, arguing frequently with relatives or the dependence on someone to carry out a daily activity.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

With a renewed focus, the Compton-native is encouraging independent filmmakers -- particularly filmmakers of color -- to overcome Hollywood obstacles and "make your film!" "We can't have a dependence on someone else's pace and someone else's trends to validate our voices," she said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But when someone's dependence on a drug becomes problematic, that's when it turns into an addiction.

Huffington Post

Spy on someone.

WikiHow

Practice on someone.

WikiHow

Never cheat on someone.

WikiHow

Add one more stage to the model: dependence on euphemisms.

The New York Times - Sports

Ontological dependence on rye.

The New York Times - Books

Dependence on stimulus variables.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, distinguish between emotional dependence and functional dependence to provide clearer context to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "of" after "dependence" when the object is the person being relied upon. While you might speak of the "dependence of a child", you should always say "dependence on someone" to indicate the target of that reliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependence on someone" functions as a complex noun phrase where the head noun "dependence" is followed by the prepositional phrase "on someone". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is used to define the relationship of reliance between two entities. It acts as the subject or object in a sentence to highlight interpersonal dynamics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "dependence on someone" is a grammatically sound and widely accepted phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness through numerous examples from top-tier publications. The phrase is most effective when used to describe a state of reliance, whether emotional, physical, or professional. While synonyms like <a href="/s/reliance+on+someone" target="_blank" rel="alternative">reliance on someone are available, this specific phrase carries a weight of necessity that is useful in precise writing. Writers should be careful to use the preposition "on" to ensure clarity and adhere to standard English conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reliance on someone

Shifts the focus slightly toward the practical act of depending for help or support.

dependency on someone

Uses a different noun form that often suggests a more ingrained or systemic state.

leaning on someone

More idiomatic and informal, emphasizing emotional support.

need for someone

A broader term that implies an essential requirement for another person's presence or aid.

counting on someone

Focuses on the expectation and trust placed in another person.

attachment to someone

Emphasizes the emotional bond rather than just the utility of the relationship.

trust in someone

Focuses on the belief in the reliability or ability of the person.

subjection to someone

A much stronger term implying a lack of independence or being under someone's control.

connection with someone

Much broader and less specific about the directional flow of need.

addiction to someone

Suggests an unhealthy or compulsive level of dependence.

FAQs

How do I use "dependence on someone" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe reliance in various situations, such as "Her <a href="/s/dependence+on+someone" target="_blank" rel="alternative">dependence on someone for daily tasks increased after the injury".

What is the difference between dependence and reliance?

While often interchangeable, <a href="/s/reliance+on" target="_blank" rel="alternative">reliance on typically suggests a choice to trust or use someone's help, whereas "dependence on someone" can imply a more essential or involuntary need.

Is it correct to say "dependence of someone"?

Generally, no. When you are expressing that person A relies on person B, "dependence on someone" is the standard form. Using "of" usually describes the state belonging to a person, like "the dependence of the elderly".

What can I say instead of "dependence on someone"?

Depending on your tone, you might use "<a href="/s/reliance+on+someone" target="_blank" rel="alternative">reliance on someone" for a more neutral tone or "<a href="/s/leaning+on+someone" target="_blank" rel="alternative">leaning on someone" for a more personal or emotional context.