depending on

USAGE SUMMARY

"depending on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to say that the outcome of an event or situation is contingent on something else. For example: "We will decide on a vacation destination depending on our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Depending on his sweater.

The New Yorker

Patients are depending on us.

The New York Times

"He will depending on where".

The New York Times - Magazine

Cost: zero (depending on your texting plan).

The New York Times

Maybe both, simultaneously, depending on your pleasure.

The New York Times - Arts

Rates vary, depending on the season.

The New York Times - Travel

Temperatures can differ widely depending on location.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Depending on the music — how old school!

The New York Times - Arts

Depending on your point of view.

The New Yorker

Treatment varies depending on the cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prices also vary depending on your destination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on", ensure that the conditional factors are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "depending on" without clearly specifying the conditions; this can lead to confusion. Ensure the sentence provides enough context for the reader to understand what the outcome depends on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a condition or factor that influences an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, frequently setting up conditional clauses. It modifies verbs or clauses to specify circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending on" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce conditions or contingencies. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It’s particularly prevalent in wikis, news articles, and encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, ensure that the conditional factors are clearly specified. While alternatives such as "subject to" and "conditional on" exist, "depending on" remains a common and effective choice for expressing conditionality in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent upon

More formal and emphasizes the conditional nature of the relationship.

contingent on

Emphasizes conditionality; slightly more formal than "depending on".

subject to

Highlights that something is conditional and can be affected by certain factors.

predicated on

Highlights the foundation or basis for something.

conditional on

Directly expresses the conditional relationship.

provided that

A more formal way of setting a condition.

based on

Indicates that something is determined by or relies on something else.

relying on

Focuses on the dependence aspect.

given

Implies consideration of a particular factor.

if

A very concise way to express a condition.

FAQs

How to use "depending on" in a sentence?

Use "depending on" to show that something changes or varies based on specific circumstances. For example, "The price varies "depending on the season"".

What can I say instead of "depending on"?

You can use alternatives like "subject to", "conditional on", or "based on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "depending on" or "it depends on"?

Both are correct, but they are used differently. "Depending on" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a condition, while "it depends on" is a complete sentence expressing that something is contingent on a factor.

What's the difference between "depending on" and "depending upon"?

"Depending on" and "depending upon" are largely interchangeable, but "depending on" is more common in modern usage. "Depending upon" may be perceived as slightly more formal or archaic.