depending on the number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on the number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is contingent or varies based on a numerical value or quantity. Example: "The final cost of the project will vary depending on the number of hours worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Statistical significance is assessed in one of three ways, depending on the number of comparisons.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Depending on the number of family members and guests, you may need more than one.

WikiHow

Routes cost $45,000 to $120,000, depending on the number of customers.

The New York Times

Actors must earn between £450 and £500 depending on the number of performances," said Brown.

The Guardian

Depending on the number of bedrooms, a two-family sells for $400,000 to $800,000.

The New York Times

Ticket prices vary depending on the number of stops, original departure city and time of year.

The New York Times

Rates start at $240 a night depending on the number of guests.

The New York Times

The team came up with two systems, depending on the number of people in the house.

The New York Times

Fees start at $9.95 a month and vary depending on the number of computers involved.

The New York Times - Tech

Discs cost $6 to $20, depending on the number of songs.

The New York Times - Tech

It can also suspend or revoke a liquor license, depending on the number of past infractions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on the number", ensure the context clearly defines what the number refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "depending on the number" without specifying what is being counted. Instead of saying "The price varies depending on the number", be specific: "The price varies depending on the number of users."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on the number" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating that an outcome or characteristic is contingent upon a specific quantity or numerical value. Ludwig AI examples illustrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "depending on the number" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is contingent upon a specific quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to explicitly define what "the number" refers to. While alternatives like "based on the quantity" exist, "depending on the number" remains a common and effective choice for expressing conditionality based on numerical values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the quantity

Replaces "depending" with "based", emphasizing a direct relationship with quantity.

contingent upon the quantity

Replaces "depending" with "contingent", indicating conditionality based on quantity.

dependent on how many

Reformulates the phrase to focus on the count, slightly less formal.

relative to the amount

Emphasizes proportionality to the amount rather than direct dependency.

in proportion to the count

Highlights the proportional relationship to the numerical count.

as a function of quantity

Presents a more mathematical or formal relationship based on quantity.

according to the figure

Specifies reliance on a particular numerical representation.

in relation to the sum

Indicates a connection or correlation with the total sum or amount.

consistent with the volume

Suggests that the relationship must be in accordance with an accepted volume

with regard to the total

Implies that the relationship is considered and analyzed based on the total amount

FAQs

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

Use "depending on the number" to show that something changes based on a quantity. For instance, "The cost of the service varies "depending on the number" of users."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "based on the quantity", "contingent upon the count", or "relative to the amount", each providing a similar but slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "depending of the number"?

No, the correct phrase is "depending on the number". The preposition "on" is required to establish the relationship between the dependency and the numerical value.

What's the difference between "depending on the number" and "based on the number"?

While both phrases express a relationship of contingency, ""depending on the number"" implies a broader range of possibilities, whereas "based on the number" suggests a more direct and foundational relationship.