depending on how

USAGE SUMMARY

Depending on how is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an idea that is contingent upon another factor, or when you want to make comparisons or contrasts between one thing or another. For example: "The final grade I receive for this course will depend on how well I perform on my final paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Depending on how one defines it well, yes.

BMC Palliative Care

Or 65, depending on how you count.

The New York Times - Sports

Depending on how the jam goes".

The New Yorker

Depending on how you look at it.

The Guardian - Sport

Depending on how their football team does.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Schmidt: "Depending on how the law changes.

The Guardian - Tech

0.1mm depending on how much you zoom.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

His pay varies depending on how many miles he drives.

The New York Times - Magazine

They look completely different depending on how I display them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The nicknames forever changed depending on how he felt.

The Guardian - Sport

and up, depending on how elaborate the cosmetics get.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases such as "contingent upon how" or "subject to how" to avoid repetition and add stylistic flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "depending on how" without a clear and specific description of the condition. For example, instead of saying "Results may vary depending on how", specify "Results may vary depending on how the experiment is conducted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on how" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a conditional clause. It modifies the main clause by specifying a condition that affects the outcome. Ludwig provides examples where it introduces factors influencing results, behaviors, or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depending on how" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a conditional clause, indicating that an outcome varies based on the manner or method in which something is done. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and general-purpose websites. This phrase is versatile and can be adapted for use in both formal and informal settings. To enhance writing style and avoid repetition, consider using synonyms such as "contingent upon how" or "subject to how". Ensure that the conditional clause following "depending on how" clearly specifies the condition influencing the outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent upon how

This alternative emphasizes the dependence of a result or situation on the manner or way something is done.

subject to how

This alternative highlights that something is conditional and can change based on the manner something occurs.

conditional on how

This phrase directly states the conditional nature of the situation depending on the specific way it unfolds.

based on the way

This alternative focuses on the foundation or reason for something being the way it is.

according to how

This implies that the outcome is in agreement or conformity with the manner in which something happens.

influenced by how

Highlights the effect or impact that the manner of something has on the final result.

as a function of how

This alternative expresses a mathematical or logical relationship, suggesting a precise dependency.

in accordance with how

This phrase suggests actions or outcomes are aligned and follow the manner in which something occurs.

depending upon the manner in which

This is a more formal version of the original phrase, highlighting the importance of a specific approach.

given the method by which

This alternative specifies that something is determined or affected by the particular method used.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "depending on how" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "contingent upon how", "subject to how", or "conditional on how" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "depending on how"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "depending on how", as it introduces a conditional clause. However, ensure the main clause is clearly connected to the conditional one to maintain clarity.

What's the difference between "depending on how" and "depending on whether"?

"Depending on how" refers to the manner or method in which something is done, while "depending on whether" introduces a binary condition or choice. For example, "depending on how you cook it" vs. "depending on whether you cook it or not".

How can I avoid overusing "depending on how" in my writing?

To avoid overuse, consciously vary your sentence structure and employ synonyms such as "based on the way", "according to how", or rephrase the sentence to emphasize the condition using "the outcome varies with the method".