dependent on one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependent on one another" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more people or objects being reliant on each other for support or fulfillment. For example: "The success of the business venture was dependent on one another; each of the partners contributed their unique skillset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We're all interconnected, dependent on one another.

The New York Times

"You can't do these things independently and they're very much dependent on one another".

The Guardian

Unlike in baseball, in which a hitter or pitcher's success is largely self-determined, basketball players are highly dependent on one another.

The New York Times - Sports

"However, it is impossible to conclude that those changes – all dependent on one another – would have resulted in MI5 discovering evidence of attack planning.

The Guardian

Entering a shared fantasy world, they become dependent on one another, and when Andreas is suddenly taken away, Toby is naturally bereft.

The Guardian - Books

The crisis that began with America's subprime lending problems is tightening its grip on countries that grew heavily dependent on one another as the forces of globalization boomed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

These observations suggest that in some circumstances Dichaete and SoxN can compensate for one another, but in other case they are dependent on one another.

BMC Genomics

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06181.006 We next determined the degree to which these residues were dependent on one another in two simple ways.

eLife

Total dedication was crucial to the training, designed to make initiates dependent on one another, loyal to a single, exclusive set of beliefs.

Huffington Post

These are a great idea: instead of having the weight and bulk to deal with, you can dose your drink with whatever level of quinine intensity and soda you wish, without having the two dependent on one another.

The New York Times

Older bodies typically have several weakened systems that are dependent on one another, and rely on drugs that may or may not work well together.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For technical writing or formal contexts, consider "interdependent" as a more precise and professional synonym.

Common error

Avoid using "dependent on one another" when describing a relationship that is merely cooperative or collaborative. The phrase implies a stronger, more critical reliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependent on one another" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a relationship of mutual reliance or interdependence. Ludwig examples show it being used to characterize relationships between people, entities, or even abstract concepts, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

46%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dependent on one another" effectively conveys a state of mutual reliance and interconnectedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals it is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science. While synonyms like "interdependent" and "reliant on each other" exist, "dependent on one another" offers a balanced and widely accepted means of expressing mutual dependence across various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the relationship being described truly reflects a two-way reliance to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interdependent

This term emphasizes mutual dependence, where each party's success is linked to the others.

reliant on each other

Focuses on the reliance aspect, suggesting a need for support or assistance from one another.

mutually dependent

Highlights the reciprocity of the dependence, indicating an equal need for each other.

connected

Suggests a broader relationship beyond just dependence, implying a general association or link.

interconnected

Similar to 'connected', but emphasizes a deeper and more complex relationship.

codependent

Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy or excessive emotional or psychological reliance.

in each other's debt

Implies a sense of obligation or indebtedness resulting from reliance on one another.

beholden to one another

This alternative suggests a level of obligation, in that someone is indebted to someone else, similar to "in each other's debt".

bound to each other

Implies a strong, often unbreakable connection or obligation.

in partnership

Suggests a formal agreement where reliance is expected for achieving common goals.

FAQs

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

You can use "dependent on one another" to describe a relationship where two or more entities rely on each other. For example: "The success of the project was dependent on one another's contributions."

What's the difference between "dependent on one another" and "dependent on each other"?

The phrases "dependent on one another" and "dependent on each other" are generally interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

Are there contexts where I shouldn't use "dependent on one another"?

Avoid using "dependent on one another" when describing a one-way reliance or when a weaker relationship like cooperation is more accurate. This is because the phrase implies a mutual and significant reliance.

What can I say instead of "dependent on one another"?

You can use alternatives like "interdependent", "reliant on each other", or "mutually dependent" depending on the nuance you want to convey.