depending on how complicated it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on how complicated it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or decision that varies based on the complexity of a particular issue or task. Example: "The time it will take to complete the project will vary, depending on how complicated it is."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's crucial to start preparing for your staging date well ahead of time, as the auto-enrolment "to-do" list can take anywhere from six to 18 months, depending on how complicated your payroll is.

The Guardian

This generally costs anywhere from $1000-$1000-$5000nding on how complicated your dress is.

WikiHow

A pair of Blois's jeans costs between fifteen hundred and four thousand dollars, depending on how complicated they are and whether they are made from leather or fabric.

The New Yorker

The clothes Webb favors are made by a woman in Los Angeles named Agatha Blois: A pair of Blois's jeans costs between fifteen hundred and four thousand dollars, depending on how complicated they are and whether they are made from leather or fabric.

The New Yorker

Implementing different portions of the action plan can take a few months to a year, depending on how complicated they are and whether outside assistance is needed.

Global health, science and practice

Prices start at $5,000, and you should expect to wait about three weeks, depending on how complicated (and how large) your piece will be.

Forbes

This depends on how fast things progress.

WikiHow

That depends on how "human" it is.

The Guardian - Tech

It depends on how big it is.

WikiHow

It depends on how it is packaged.

The New York Times - Sports

It depends on how it is defined.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on how complicated it is", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can reduce clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "depending on how complicated it is" in simple situations where the complexity is minimal or nonexistent. Simpler phrasing is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on how complicated it is" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a condition or dependency. It indicates that a particular outcome, duration, or cost is contingent upon the level of complexity involved. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depending on how complicated it is" serves to express conditionality. While it is considered grammatically correct by Ludwig and usable in various writing contexts, it's important to ensure clarity in its application. Consider using alternative phrases such as "depending on its complexity" or "based on the level of difficulty" to add precision or formality. Avoid overuse in overly simple contexts for maximum impact. Although limited examples are available, Ludwig confirms the phrase's acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on its complexity

Replaces the explicit mention of "how complicated it is" with a more concise reference to "complexity".

based on the level of difficulty

Substitutes "complicated" with "difficulty", focusing on the challenge aspect.

contingent on the intricacy

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "depending on how complicated" with "contingent on the intricacy".

depending on the degree of intricacy

Uses 'intricacy' instead of 'complexity', which emphasizes the detailed and elaborate nature of something.

subject to the degree of complexity

Emphasizes the subjection to complexity, using a slightly more formal tone.

relative to the complexity involved

Highlights the relativity of the situation to the complexity.

dependent on how elaborate it is

Focuses on the elaborateness as the condition, rather than general complexity.

conditional on its convoluted nature

Highlights the convoluted and intricate aspects that make something complicated.

as a function of complexity

More mathematically inclined; suits contexts where a formal relationship can be implied between input and output.

in proportion to the difficulty

Indicates a direct relationship between effort and the complexity or difficulty.

FAQs

What does "depending on how complicated it is" mean?

This phrase means that the outcome or process will vary based on the level of difficulty or intricacy involved. It suggests that more complex situations require more adjustments or considerations.

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "depending on its complexity", or "subject to the degree of complexity".

Is "depending on how complicated it is" grammatically correct?

Yes, according to Ludwig, the phrase "depending on how complicated it is" is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is a common and accepted way to express conditionality based on complexity.

What are some typical situations where I might use "depending on how complicated it is"?

This phrase is useful when discussing project timelines, cost estimates, or any process where the steps or resources needed vary with the level of difficulty. For example, "The project's timeline will vary, depending on its complexity".