dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dependent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is relying on something else for support, or as a noun to describe someone who relies on someone else for financial or emotional support. Example sentence: My sister is financially dependent on her parents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must show them that there are other ways to express disagreement, that their right to do so is dependent on the very freedoms that extremists seek to destroy.

The Guardian

We're largely dependent on whistleblowers – normally disillusioned chuggers – to enlighten us, as in last year's investigation by Dispatches.

The Guardian - Opinion

But researchers warn the UK is too dependent on China for its international numbers, and that it is losing out on Indian students.

The Guardian

If Rupert Murdoch, Nigel Farage and a flip-flopping David Cameron succeed in that ambition, it will lead to the break-up of the UK with the remnants dependent on the US and our lives ruled by global corporations.

The Guardian

The opposition says the system has failed the people it was aimed at helping and created a class of crony businessmen dependent on the government.

The Guardian

The legal order to support this is dependent on the specific circumstances of the child, but there are now many possibilities, including adoption, special guardianship and permanent foster care.

The Guardian

But in a country where trickle-down economics begins with tourism – one in five of the working population are dependent on the sector – the arrival of foreign visitors has brought relief.

The Guardian

Brazil shouldn't be so dependent on him but the 22-year-old is not shying away from his huge responsibility.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, "art": television is capable of creating its own art, which is not dependent on other arts, or is at least a mongrel synthesis of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Allowing this to happen would put any Labour prime minister dependent on Scottish MPs for a majority in a very difficult position.

The Guardian

The finance minister's refusal to attend last week's dinner for eurozone finance ministers – when the debt-crippled country was so dependent on loans from participants – was unforgivable, she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dependent", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is relying on to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "the project is dependent", clarify with "the project is dependent on funding".

Common error

Be mindful of the spelling difference between "dependent" (adjective) and "dependant" (noun, primarily British English). Use "dependent" to describe a state of reliance and "dependant" to refer to a person who relies on someone else for financial support. For example, "She is financially dependent on her parents" (adjective) vs "She has three dependants" (noun).

Linguistic Context

The word "dependent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of reliance or contingency. As noted by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a state of relying on something else for support, as shown in numerous Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "dependent" functions primarily as an adjective that denotes reliance or contingency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As shown by Ludwig's analysis, it is a very common term, appearing frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "dependent", remember that it is usually followed by "on" to clarify the source of reliance. Be aware of the spelling distinction from "dependant". Overall, "dependent" is a versatile word used to express that one thing relies on another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reliant on

Focuses on the act of relying on something or someone for support or existence.

conditional upon

Stresses that something is subject to certain conditions or stipulations.

contingent on

Emphasizes the conditional aspect, highlighting that something will only occur if a specific condition is met.

determined by

Emphasizes that something is directly influenced or decided by another factor.

hinges on

Highlights that the outcome or success of something is critically dependent on a single factor.

subject to

Highlights the idea that something is controlled or affected by something else.

controlled by

Focuses on the aspect of being managed or directed by something external.

based on

Indicates that something is established or constructed using a particular foundation or principle.

accountable to

Indicates a state of being responsible or answerable to someone or something.

at the mercy of

Implies a lack of control and vulnerability to the whims of something or someone else.

FAQs

How can I use "dependent" in a sentence?

You can use "dependent" to describe something relying on something else, such as "The success of the project is "dependent on" securing funding", or to describe someone relying on others, such as "Children are often "dependent on" their parents".

What's the difference between "dependent" and "dependant"?

"Dependent" is typically used as an adjective, describing a state of reliance, while "dependant" is a noun, primarily in British English, referring to someone who relies on another for financial support. For example, "She is financially "dependent on" her spouse" (adjective), and "She listed her children as "dependants" on her tax return" (noun).

What are some alternatives to the word "dependent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reliant on", "contingent on", or "subject to". For example, instead of saying "The schedule is dependent on the weather", you could say "The schedule is "subject to" the weather".

Is it correct to say someone is "dependent of" something?

No, the correct preposition to use with "dependent" is "on". You should say someone is ""dependent on"" something, not "dependent of" it. For example, "The company is "dependent on" foreign investment" is correct.