dependent on assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependent on assistance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something relies on help or support from others. Example: "The project is dependent on assistance from the funding committee to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

World Vision temporarily closed our programmes in Central African Republic during the escalation of violence in late September, but one of the consequences is that people dependent on assistance are unable to receive it as long as insecurity prevents access.

The Guardian

First, people living in this type of setting are all highly disabled and, although they would improve their functional capacity or decrease their dependency in ADL, they are still likely to be dependent on assistance in ADL.

Clinical interventions in aging

Statistics compiled by the government show that 47percentt of nursing home residents need some assistance in eating, and 21percentt are totally dependent on assistance.

The New York Times

To the casual observer, becoming the first Western-backed democracy to express support for the widely denounced referendum in Crimea might seem an odd tack for Afghanistan, which is heavily dependent on assistance from the United States and European countries.

The New York Times

Mr. Heller told a story of his father, who he said had been laid up after back surgery and dependent on assistance for the six to eight weeks he was out of work.

The New York Times

"We have seen some people that have been able to walk around their house whereas previously they had been dependent on assistance and we have had improvements that have enabled people to recognise what is happening around them".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Previously, the public charge designation applied to people who immigration officials deemed at risk of becoming dependent on cash assistance or help with long-term care.

Harvard University

Despite the impressive gains achieved over the past decade, the future of Afghanistan's healthcare remains at risk, as the country has been dependent on external assistance in the past and diminishing donor aid may reverse the achievements in coverage and quality.

BMC Health Services Research

For the time being, then, Pakistan may remain dependent on international assistance, including billions of dollars in military and civilian aid from the United States, even as fewer than 2 percent of Pakistanis pay income tax, with many wealthy members of government among those who pay nothing.

The New York Times

Finances The Palestinian Authority is heavily dependent on foreign assistance.

The Guardian

Refugees are far from uniformly dependent on international assistance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dependent on assistance", clearly specify what type of assistance is needed (e.g., financial, medical, technical) to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dependent on assistance" without specifying the source or type of assistance. For example, instead of saying "The project is dependent on assistance", specify "The project is dependent on financial assistance from the EU" or "The project is dependent on technical assistance from local engineers."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependent on assistance" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun by describing its state of reliance on external support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dependent on assistance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe reliance on external support. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, indicating its acceptance in standard English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, though clarity is enhanced by specifying the type of assistance involved. Be mindful of potential vagueness by explicitly stating the source or nature of the support. Alternatives like "reliant on support" or "contingent on aid" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reliant on support

Focuses on the reliance aspect using 'reliant' instead of 'dependent' and 'support' instead of 'assistance'.

relying on help

Simple and direct substitution of 'dependent' with 'relying' and 'assistance' with 'help'.

requiring assistance

Highlights the requirement for assistance, maintaining a formal tone.

needing support

Focuses on the need for support, simplifying the original phrase.

contingent on aid

Emphasizes conditionality with 'contingent' suggesting something depends on aid being provided.

sustained by aid

Implies that aid is essential for sustaining something or someone.

maintained by support

Focuses on ongoing support as a means of maintenance or continuation.

dependent on charity

Specifies the type of assistance as charity, implying a more vulnerable state.

subsidized by grants

Indicates financial assistance specifically through grants or subsidies.

beholden to benefactors

Suggests a sense of obligation to those providing assistance, adding a layer of complexity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "dependent on assistance" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "reliant on support" or "contingent on aid", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to say someone is "dependent on assistance"?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes imply vulnerability, it can also simply describe a factual state where someone or something requires help to function or progress. Context is crucial.

What's the difference between saying someone is "dependent on assistance" versus "relying on help"?

The phrases are very similar, but "dependent on assistance" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger connotation of need or reliance, while "relying on help" might sound more temporary or less intense.

How to use "dependent on assistance" in a sentence?

You can use "dependent on assistance" to describe people, projects, or even countries. For example, "The elderly are often dependent on assistance for daily tasks" or "The project is dependent on financial assistance from the government".