depending on the cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on the cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or decision that is influenced by the price of something. Example: "We will proceed with the project, depending on the cost of materials and labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Frank [ 13] found that the co-evolutionary system of competition and policing moves towards one of two equilibria, depending on the cost of policing and the population genetic structure.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The new minimum wage will vary at each of Ikea's 38 stores -- as well as its five distribution centers, two service centers and one manufacturing plant in the U.S. -- depending on the cost of living in each location.

Huffington Post

The cut will vary by regions, depending on the cost to distribute energy to each place, said the firm.

The Guardian - Money

Such an agreement can cost $100 to $350 a year, depending on the cost of the initial treatment.

The New York Times

We consider different objectives, depending on the cost of the trees spanning the clusters.

Discrete Applied Mathematics

Depending on the cost the technology would add, that could help lower the cost of solar power.

MIT Technology Review

Generals would have an open mind toward nuclear weapon adjustments depending on the cost to their conventional forces, he said.

The Guardian

The value of 1 ton of stored snow is €10 25 depending on the cost of electricity.

Advances in Thermal Energy Storage Systems Methods and Applications

It was repealed in 1924 but reinstated in 1932 at 10 to 20 cents a call, depending on the cost of the call.

The New York Times

The Mellon award, given for the first time this year, grants up to $1.5 million for each recipient, depending on the cost of a scholar's research project.

The New York Times

Setting up a center to perform I.M.R.T., or intensity modulated radiation therapy, can cost nearly $3 million or more, depending on the cost of real estate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on the cost", ensure the context clearly indicates what decision or outcome is influenced by the cost. For example: "The project's scope will expand, depending on the cost of additional resources."

Common error

Avoid using "depending on the cost" vaguely. Always specify what aspect is changing based on the cost. For example, instead of "We'll proceed depending on the cost", say "We'll proceed with either Option A or Option B, depending on the cost."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on the cost" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a condition based on price. It sets a condition for a decision, action, or outcome as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "depending on the cost" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express conditionality based on price. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it is important to ensure the context clearly specifies what is influenced by the cost. Alternatives such as "subject to the price" or "contingent on the expense" can be used for variety. Overall, understanding the nuances of "depending on the cost" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent on the expense

Replaces "cost" with "expense" offering a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning of conditionality.

subject to the price

Emphasizes the price as a determining factor, indicating that something is conditional upon it.

relative to the expenditure

Focuses on expenditure, which is a broader term encompassing costs, and suggests a proportional relationship.

based on the pricing structure

Highlights the overall pricing scheme as the influencing factor, rather than a single cost.

dependent upon the amount

More general, replacing cost with amount, making it suitable for various types of financial considerations.

as a function of the cost

A more technical or formal phrasing suggesting a mathematical or systematic relationship with the cost.

proportional to the price tag

Uses a more descriptive and informal term, "price tag", suggesting a direct proportional relationship.

in accordance with the budget

Shifts focus to the budget available, implying decisions are made within financial constraints.

correlated with the expenditure level

Suggests a statistical correlation between two elements where an expenditure level can determine a level in a second element.

conditioned by the financial outlay

A formal alternative, highlighting the "financial outlay" as the conditioning factor.

FAQs

How can I use "depending on the cost" in a sentence?

Use "depending on the cost" to indicate that a decision, action, or outcome will vary based on the price or expense involved. For instance: "We will either drive or fly, "depending on the cost" of tickets versus gas."

What are some alternatives to "depending on the cost"?

Alternatives include phrases like "subject to the price", "contingent on the expense", or "based on the pricing structure", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "depends on the cost" instead of "depending on the cost"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Depending on the cost" is a prepositional phrase that modifies a clause, while "depends on the cost" is a verb phrase that forms a complete clause. For example, "Our decision depends on the cost" versus "Depending on the cost, we may postpone the project."

How does "depending on the cost" differ from "regardless of the cost"?

"Depending on the cost" indicates that the cost will influence a decision or outcome, while "regardless of the cost" means the decision or action will occur no matter the price. They are opposite in meaning.