depending on others

USAGE SUMMARY

"depending on others" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means that someone or something relies on the actions or decisions of others in order to function or succeed. Example: "The success of our project is depending on others following through with their assigned tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines self-help as "the use of one's own efforts, resources, etc. to achieve things, without depending on others".

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

"I wasn't used to depending on others," he said.

The New York Times

There's courage in depending on others in life and in death.

The Washington Post

None of us is ever absolutely free from depending on others.

The Washington Post

Depending on others for your own success has important strategic implications.

Harvard Business Review

Not depending on others can mean not surviving, and the easy road almost always ends in disaster.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Depending on other people.

University of California, Berkeley

"In general terms I can say a changed alibi could be interesting, depending on other circumstances.

The Guardian

Before today we were depending on other teams.

BBC

"Chemistry can come and go, depending on other influences".

Huffington Post

Chemistry can come and go, depending on other factors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depending on others" to candidly acknowledge reliance on external resources or expertise within your project's limitations.

Common error

Refrain from using "depending on others" excessively in contexts where self-sufficiency and individual achievement are emphasized. It can undermine the intended message of autonomy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on others" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often indicating a state of reliance or contingency. As Ludwig AI points out, it illustrates that something or someone's success is reliant on the actions or decisions of other entities. The examples show it can modify verbs or nouns, specifying how or why a particular outcome is achieved or influenced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depending on others" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates reliance or contingency. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. While acknowledging interdependence is often valuable, avoid overuse in contexts where independence is emphasized. Remember that rephrasing with terms like "relying on others" can offer alternative ways to express this concept. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase various ways this phrase can be effectively used across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relying on others

Focuses on the act of reliance rather than the state of dependence.

dependent on someone else

Rephrases the concept of dependence, specifying that it's on another person.

contingent on others

Emphasizes that something is conditional based on the actions of others.

subject to others

Highlights being controlled or affected by others.

at the mercy of others

Implies vulnerability and lack of control, relying on the kindness or actions of others.

influenced by others

Focuses on the impact that other people have on decision-making or actions.

beholden to others

Suggests a sense of obligation or indebtedness to those relied upon.

relying upon external support

Highlights the need for external assistance.

assuming others' help

Implies making an assumption about receiving support.

conditional on someone else's actions

Highlights the dependence of an outcome based on what someone else does.

FAQs

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

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "relying on others", or "being contingent on", to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

What does it mean when someone says they are "depending on others"?

When someone says they are "depending on others", it means they are relying on other people for support, assistance, or to achieve a specific outcome. This can involve needing others to complete tasks, provide resources, or make decisions.

Is it always negative to talk about "depending on others"?

No, "depending on others" is not inherently negative. In many situations, it highlights the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and community support. It only becomes negative if it implies an unhealthy level of reliance or an unwillingness to take responsibility.

What is an antonym for "depending on others"?

An antonym for "depending on others" is "self-reliance". Other options include independence, autonomy, and self-sufficiency, which all emphasize the ability to function without external assistance.