dependent upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependent upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is contingent or contingent upon something else. For example, "The success of the project was dependent upon the team's ability to work together effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I am "dependent upon government".

The New York Times

They were heavily dependent upon Jason Roy and Ben Stokes.

The Guardian - Sport

I am totally dependent upon the affection of women.

The Guardian

But then you're dependent upon people finding you a role.

The New York Times

Its realization should not be dependent upon extraordinary opportunities.

The New York Times

"Growing sections of society are dependent upon mind-altering substances".

The Guardian

Aesthetics are dependent upon the passage of time".

The New York Times

"We are so dependent upon sea ice conditions.

The Guardian

He says: "It is totally dependent upon teamwork.

The Guardian

May be dependent upon Wenger getting another forward in".

The Guardian - Sport

We are radically dependent upon and responsible for one another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dependent upon", ensure that the relationship of dependency is clear to the reader. Specify what is relying on what to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dependent upon" without clearly stating what the subject relies on. For example, instead of saying "Success is dependent upon hard work", be specific: "The success of the project is dependent upon the team's consistent hard work and dedication."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependent upon" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of reliance or contingency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It shows that the existence or occurrence of something is conditional on something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dependent upon" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express reliance or conditionality. As Ludwig AI validates, its usage is widespread and applicable across numerous contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. While alternatives like "reliant on" or "contingent on" exist, "dependent upon" retains a slightly more formal tone. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the dependency relationship in your writing. "Dependent upon" is a valuable tool for articulating the factors influencing various outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent on

Focuses on the idea of something happening only if something else does; emphasizes conditionality.

reliant on

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

conditional upon

Emphasizes the condition that must be met for something to occur.

subject to

Indicates that something is vulnerable to or affected by something else.

based on

Focuses on the foundation or reason for something.

hinges on

Suggests that the outcome is entirely determined by a single factor.

determined by

Highlights the causal relationship where one thing directly decides the nature of another.

governed by

Implies a set of rules or principles that dictate how something operates.

predicated on

Indicates that something is founded or based on a particular assumption or condition.

at the mercy of

Suggests a lack of control and vulnerability to an external force.

FAQs

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

Use "dependent upon" to show that one thing relies on another. For example, "The project's completion is "dependent upon" receiving funding."

What's a good alternative to "dependent upon"?

Alternatives include "reliant on", "contingent on", or "subject to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "dependent on" or "dependent upon"?

Both "dependent on" and "dependent upon" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable, although "dependent upon" may sound slightly more formal or archaic.

How does "dependent upon" differ from "because of"?

"Dependent upon" indicates a reliance or condition, while "because of" ("because of") indicates a direct cause. For example, "The event was canceled because of the rain" (cause), versus "The event's success is "dependent upon" good weather" (condition).