depending on how things go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on how things go" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty about future events or outcomes based on current circumstances. Example: "I will decide whether to attend the conference depending on how things go with my project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

He could still hope to lead Labour one day - perhaps, depending on how things go, before the next general election.

The Economist

There's every chance we'll see some highlight saves, and be grudgingly agreed by the end of it that, no matter who wins, either one (or any of the three, depending on how things go) probably deserved it.

The Guardian - Sport

Depending on how things go, they could be again.

The New York Times - Sports

West lead depending on how things go for the 3-0 Kansas Chiefshiefs on Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

It could also be the last time, depending on how things go at N.F.L. headquarters and in federal court.

The New York Times - Sports

The money question is widespread, as families pledge to withhold further donations or increase them depending on how things go.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The spokesman for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Marty Natalegawa, said that depending on how things went in the family's initial get-together in the Intercontinental Hotel here in Jakarta, they might go elsewhere "for as long as a month".

The New York Times

"It depends on how things go, but I think it's possible.

The New York Times

"Some of [the long-term impact] could depend on how things go Friday and Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

He will not say that, yes, he is confident, only that, yes, maybe come Thursday he will be confident but that depends on how things go between now and then.

The Guardian - Sport

"The quarter-final might come a bit too quickly for me, but everything will depend on how things go in the second XI.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on how things go", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'things' are referring to for clarity.

Common error

While "depending on how things go" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise language to convey conditionality, such as "contingent upon" or "subject to" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on how things go" functions as a conditional phrase, introducing an element of uncertainty or contingency. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates that future actions or outcomes are subject to the unfolding of current events. It serves to acknowledge that the future course is not predetermined.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending on how things go" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express conditionality and uncertainty about future events. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to indicate that future actions or outcomes are subject to current circumstances. While acceptable in various contexts, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal writing, such as "contingent upon" or "subject to". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and to a lesser degree, in academic settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what the "things" are that the outcome depends on.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent on developments

Replaces 'how things go' with 'developments', focusing on the progression of events.

subject to circumstances

Emphasizes the influence of external conditions on the outcome.

depending on the situation

A more general and less detailed version of the original phrase.

conditional on progress

Highlights the need for advancement or forward movement as a determining factor.

if circumstances allow

Expresses possibility based on permitting conditions.

as events unfold

Focuses on the unfolding of events and their impact on future actions.

given the current climate

Considers the existing environment or atmosphere as a factor.

based on future results

Highlights the dependence on outcomes yet to be determined.

depending on the outcome

Directly links the result to the course of action.

as matters stand

Reflects the current state of affairs and its influence.

FAQs

How can I use "depending on how things go" in a sentence?

You can use "depending on how things go" to express that a future action or decision is conditional on the outcome of current events or circumstances. For example, "I will decide whether to attend the conference "depending on how things go" with my project deadlines".

What are some alternatives to "depending on how things go"?

You can use alternatives like "subject to circumstances", "contingent on developments", or "conditional on progress" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it depends on how things go"?

Yes, "it depends on how things go" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that the outcome is uncertain and relies on future events. You can also say "it is conditional" or "it is subject to" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "depending on how things go" and "it all depends"?

"Depending on how things go" provides a bit more context by explicitly referring to the progression of events or circumstances, while "it all depends" is a more general expression of uncertainty. "Depending on how things go" is useful to highlight that a final decision is "conditional".