depending

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "depending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is conditional or reliant on something else. For example: "The time it will take for the project to be completed will depend on the size of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Liam Williams, comedian Depending on what part of the country I was in, I'd vote to try and stop Ukip getting a seat.

The Guardian

The waterfront has been redeveloped and the park totally remodelled – it is now packed with families strolling in the summer sunshine or skating on its frozen paths, depending on the time of year.

The Guardian

The German side were wearing a revolutionary new piece of kit – boots with screw-in studs that could be altered depending on the conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the smartest things Microsoft has added is Continuum, which detects the state of the computer and presents the right interface depending on whether a keyboard and mouse is being used or the screen is being touched.

The Guardian - Tech

Here are 10 books you could read in an evening (the number of pages varies depending on the edition): The Embassy of Cambodia by Zadie Smith (80 pages): a novella that follows the life of a young woman, Fatou, who works as a domestic servant in Willesden, north-west London.

The Guardian - Books

Rather than always being news headlines however, the content itself would vary over the day depending on context and history to ensure the reader always gets something fresh and worthwhile.

The Guardian

That means that a street lantern can switch on and off depending on how busy the street is: if nobody is there, they dim, but as soon as a car, bike or pedestrian approaches, they turn themselves on and accompany the vehicle or person on his way.

The Guardian

Let's start to replace this with the Nigerian proverb: "the earth moves at different speeds depending on who you are".

The Guardian - Tech

Normal delivery charges: They vary depending on time, day and availability, but range from nothing to £6.99.

The Guardian - Money

"If we have the chance to make changes we will, depending on the players, how they are physically and how they are performing, but ultimately we want to win the game".

The Guardian - Sport

Depending on whom you ask, the need ranges from 10 to several dozen million units.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what the subject is depending on. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "depending" without clearly specifying the condition or factor it relies on. An ambiguous "depending" can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending" primarily functions as a present participle used to introduce a conditional phrase or clause. This indicates that the outcome or action described is contingent on certain conditions being met. Examples Ludwig provides show it modifies the main clause by specifying a condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending" is a versatile phrase used to express conditionality and reliance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media contexts. To use it effectively, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject depends on, and be mindful of the register to maintain appropriateness. Alternative phrases like "contingent on" or "subject to" can be used for variety. Remember, as Ludwig shows, clarity is key when indicating conditional relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent on

Emphasizes conditionality and reliance on a specific factor.

subject to

Highlights the possibility of change or modification based on certain conditions.

conditional upon

Formal alternative, stressing a strict requirement for something else to occur.

reliant on

Focuses on the dependence of one thing on another for its existence or success.

hinging on

Implies that the outcome or success is entirely dependent on a single, critical factor.

based on

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

determined by

Suggests that the outcome is definitively decided by a specific element.

if and only if

Formal and precise, indicating a necessary and sufficient condition.

predicated on

Emphasizes that something is founded or established on a particular assumption or basis.

controlled by

Indicates that the outcome is determined by a specific controlling force or element.

FAQs

How can I use "depending" in a sentence?

Use "depending" to indicate that something is conditional or reliant on another factor. For example, "The success of the project is "contingent on" the team's effort."

What phrases can I use instead of "depending"?

Alternatives include "subject to", "based on", or "conditional upon depending on the context".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "depending"?

Starting a sentence with "depending" is grammatically acceptable and common, especially to introduce a conditional clause.

What's the difference between "depending on" and "it depends on"?

"Depending on" is used as a preposition indicating conditionality within a sentence. "It depends on" is a complete phrase used to express that something is conditional, often as a standalone response.