depending on need

USAGE SUMMARY

"depending on need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a situation where something should be done in accordance with the specific needs of a person or situation. For example, "The dress code for this event should be formal, depending on need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Her fees range from nothing to $10,000 per workshop, depending on need.

The Guardian - Tech

Children receive wigs free or at a reduced cost, depending on need.

The New York Times

It is a non-means-tested benefit and paid, depending on need, at either £47.10 or £70.35 a week.

The Guardian - Money

The amounts vary depending on need, but families with incomes up to about $80,000 are eligible.

The New York Times

Depending on need and location, he suggests, a tricorder's design could be customised to perform different tasks.

The Economist

"That's a brilliant adaptation, to be able to switch your physiology, depending on need and luck, rather than to be at the mercy of an annual cycle".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Work capability assessment places claimants into different categories depending on needs and abilities.

The Guardian

Changing the threshold in model A, we can vary sensitivity and specificity depending on needs.

Chemistry Central Journal

The content and length of the program was customized depending on needs.

Internet Interventions

This is also where the body type would be swapped out, depending on needs at that time.

TechCrunch

For this reason, the term has many definitions, each providing different contents, depending on needs and practices.

Resilience Imperative Uncertainty, Risks and Disasters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on need", ensure the context clearly defines what 'need' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Be specific about whose or what's need is being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "depending on need" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "as required" or "subject to requirements" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on need" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something is conditional or variable based on specific requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending on need" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates conditionality based on specific requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile and can be used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While it's essential to define 'need' clearly, overuse should be avoided by using synonyms such as "as required" or "subject to requirements". By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "depending on need" into your writing to convey flexibility and adaptability. The phrase's widespread usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on necessity

Replaces 'need' with a synonym emphasizing requirement.

contingent on requirements

Uses 'contingent' to highlight conditionality and 'requirements' to specify demands.

as necessity dictates

Implies that the course of action is determined by the level of necessity.

subject to requirements

Indicates that something is conditional and influenced by needs.

as required

A more concise way of saying something will happen if there's a need for it.

conditional on demand

Emphasizes the dependence on what is asked or required.

depending on the situation

Shifts focus from 'need' to the broader context of 'situation'.

according to circumstances

Highlights the influence of external factors and conditions.

relative to necessity

Indicates that something is variable in proportion to the need.

if the situation warrants

Suggests action will be taken only if the situation justifies it.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "contingent on requirements", "subject to necessity", or "as necessity dictates". These options offer a more sophisticated tone while conveying the same meaning.

What's a shorter way to say "depending on need"?

For brevity, you can use phrases such as "as required" or "when necessary". These options are more concise while still conveying the essential meaning of conditionality based on requirements.

How does "depending on need" differ from "depending on wants"?

"Depending on need" implies that something is provided or adjusted based on essential requirements, whereas "depending on wants" suggests that it's based on desires or preferences. Needs are essential for survival or proper functioning, while wants are non-essential desires.

Is it correct to say "depends on need" instead of "depending on need"?

While both are grammatically valid, "depends on need" is typically used when the subject is singular in the present tense (e.g., "The allocation depends on need"). "Depending on need" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun (e.g., "Resources are distributed, "depending on need"").