depending on the opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on the opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation or outcome is contingent upon the actions or stance of the opposing party or group. Example: "The team's strategy will change depending on the opposition they face in the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Changes were made depending on the opposition.

The Guardian - Sport

We could alter our play depending on the opposition: I'd go long, he'd go short.

The Guardian - Sport

It will thus end up being a mix of both, with the emphasis modified depending on the opposition.

The Guardian - Sport

The prices go up and down depending on the opposition, your age and how far in advance you buy your tickets.

BBC

The strength in depth that Ferguson has, and the adaptability of his players, allows him to change his formation and approach depending on the opposition.

BBC

In terms of his tactics, Pellegrini is not as flexible with his favoured formation as, say, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who mixed up his team's shape depending on the opposition.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I wouldn't have a problem putting Defoe, Alan Smith or Emile Heskey with Michael Owen but it depends on the opposition.

The Guardian - Sport

Hodgson has a lot of options in midfield and attack and selection may depend on the opposition.

Independent

Whether or not it does depends on the opposition's behaviour.The opposition includes a rival pair of Islamist parties as well as two bitterly competing Berber-based parties (with 19 seats apiece).

The Economist

Another MDC spokesman believes that the president has run out of tricks to ensure his survival: "We are watching Houdini finally drowning in his chains", he says.But that may be wishful thinking, at least if it depends on the opposition getting its act together.

The Economist

"It also depends on the opposition, but [his own] players are the important thing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending on the opposition", ensure the context clearly establishes who the opposition is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid implying that outcomes solely rely on the opposition. Acknowledge other contributing factors to provide a more nuanced and accurate representation of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on the opposition" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying a condition or contingency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that an action, strategy or outcome is conditional based on the adversary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending on the opposition" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate contingency based on an opposing force. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. Though its frequency is uncommon, this phrase appears in authoritative sources like BBC, The Guardian, and The New York Times. Its function is to express that decisions or outcomes are adaptable to the characteristics or actions of the opposition. When using this phrase, clarity in identifying the specific opposition is important, and it is wise to not suggest the opposition is the only determining factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent on the adversary

Emphasizes the conditional nature, focusing on the adversary's role.

subject to the opponent

Highlights the subjection to the opponent's influence.

conditional upon the rival

Stresses the conditionality based on the rival's actions.

dependent on the adversary's actions

Explicitly states the reliance on the actions of the adversary.

relying on the resistance

Focuses on the resistance provided by the opposition as the determining factor.

predicated on the competitor

Indicates that the situation is based or founded on the competitor.

governed by the opposition's strategy

Highlights that the strategy of the opposition dictates the outcome.

contingent upon the opposing force

Similar to 'contingent on the adversary' but uses 'opposing force'.

depending on the opposing side

A more straightforward and less formal synonym.

subject to the counteraction

Highlights the subjection to an opposite action.

FAQs

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

You can use "depending on the opposition" to indicate that a strategy, decision, or outcome is contingent on the actions or characteristics of the opposing side. For example, "The team's formation will change "depending on the opposition" they face."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "contingent on the adversary", "subject to the opponent", or "conditional upon the rival", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to use "depends on the opposition" or "depending on the opposition"?

Both "depends on the opposition" and "depending on the opposition" are grammatically sound, but they function differently in a sentence. "Depends" is a verb form, while "depending" is a gerund or participle, often used after a preposition, like in this case.

What does it mean when something "depends on the opposition"?

When something "depends on the opposition", it means its nature, success, or characteristics are directly influenced by the actions, strategies, or qualities of the opposing party or group. The outcome is not fixed but varies based on who the opposition is and what they do.