dependent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependent on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express reliance or need for something or someone. Example: "The success of the project is dependent on the team's collaboration and communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're not dependent on anyone.

The New Yorker

"I'm not dependent on men.

Independent

They are dependent on us.

The New York Times

Dependent on a wheelchair.

The New York Times

All became dependent on welfare.

The Economist

We are dependent on him.

The Economist

It is dependent on Flavio".

Independent

They're dependent on wheelchairs.

The Washington Post

Compensation dependent on experience.

Cornell University

It's dependent on data accuracy.

The New York Times - Tech

It is dependent on tourists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dependent on", ensure that the relationship between the subject and the object of dependence is clear. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what relies on what.

Common error

Be careful not to use "dependent on" when you mean that two things are simply correlated, not that one directly relies on the other. Correlation doesn't imply causation or dependence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependent on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of reliance or conditionality. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on numerous examples, confirms its role in expressing dependence, where one entity's existence, state, or outcome is contingent upon another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dependent on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express reliance or conditionality. As verified by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse sources like news, scientific publications, and general writing affirm its reliability. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure clarity in expressing relationships of dependence to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "reliant on" and "contingent on" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reliant on

Focuses on the state of relying on something, suggesting a strong need or dependence.

Contingent on

Emphasizes that something is conditional and relies on a specific event or circumstance to occur.

Conditional on

Similar to "contingent on", highlighting the if-then relationship and conditionality.

Subject to

Indicates that something is influenced or affected by something else, highlighting a potential constraint.

Determined by

Suggests that something is directly caused or influenced by a particular factor.

Based on

Highlights the foundation or grounds upon which something is established, implying reliance on that basis.

Hinges on

Emphasizes the critical importance of something for a particular outcome, suggesting a pivotal point of dependence.

Turns on

Similar to "hinges on", suggesting that the outcome depends entirely on a single factor.

Governed by

Implies that something is regulated or controlled by a set of rules or principles, indicating a dependence on those guidelines.

Accountable to

It indicates the obligation to report, explain, or justify actions to someone, indicating a dependence on fulfilling those responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "dependent on" in a sentence?

Use "dependent on" to show that one thing relies on another. For example, "The project's success is "dependent on" teamwork".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "dependent on"?

You can use alternatives such as "reliant on", "contingent on", or "conditional on".

Is it correct to say "dependant on" or is it always "dependent on"?

"Dependant" is a noun referring to someone who relies on another for support. "Dependent" is an adjective meaning relying on something else. Therefore, the correct phrase is ""dependent on"".

How does ""dependent on"" differ from "based on"?

"Dependent on" implies a direct reliance or necessity, while "based on" suggests a foundation or starting point. Something that is ""dependent on"" something else cannot exist without it, while something "based on" something else is simply derived from it.