depending upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a reliance or conditional relationship between two things. Example: "The success of the project is depending upon the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pronunciation varies depending upon dialect group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

$15­-$15­-$25/hourexperiencen experience.

The New Yorker

Depending upon your view of democracy.

The Guardian

The length of oversight varies, depending upon the agreement.

The New York Times

Tables Hold Between 4-10 GuEach Each Depending Upon Needs.

Stanford University

will be read appropriately depending upon the input file's extension.

Yale University

Group tours are scheduled depending upon availability of the docents.

University of California, Berkeley

Scientist II or Scientist III, depending upon qualifications.

Columbia University

These input costs change depending upon the quantity and price.

Cornell University

The answer changes depending upon who is asked.

The New York Times

The stomach varies greatly in fishes, depending upon the diet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending upon", ensure that the condition being referenced is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The price may vary, "depending upon" retailer" clarifies the condition influencing the price.

Common error

While "depending upon" is grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound overly formal. In casual contexts, consider using the more relaxed "depends on" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending upon" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a condition or contingency. Ludwig's examples show it introducing circumstances that influence an outcome or characteristic, similar to phrases like "subject to" or "conditional on".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

25%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate conditionality or reliance. While slightly more formal than "depends on", Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. When using "depending upon", ensure clarity in defining the conditions to maintain precision in your writing. Considering alternative phrases like "conditional on" or "subject to" can add nuance, but remember that using "depends on" is preferable if you want to sound less formal, even in professional contexts. With an expert rating of 4.5, its consistent usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice in many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on

Directly expresses the state of relying on something.

relying on

Focuses on the act of trusting or depending on something.

conditional on

Emphasizes the condition that must be met.

subject to

Highlights that the outcome is influenced by external factors.

contingent on

Stresses the dependence on a specific event or condition.

predicated on

Implies a logical foundation or basis.

based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point.

dictated by

Emphasizes that something is determined by another factor.

governed by

Suggests that something is controlled or ruled by another factor.

as a function of

Formal way to indicate a mathematical or logical relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "depending upon" in a sentence?

"Depending upon" indicates a condition or reliance. For instance, "The outcome will vary, depending upon the circumstances."

What's the difference between "depending upon" and "depends on"?

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "depending upon" is generally considered more formal than "depends on". The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What can I say instead of "depending upon"?

You can use alternatives like "conditional on", "subject to", or "dependent on", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it always correct to use "depending upon" in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, consider the overall tone of your writing. Using "depends on" might be preferable if you want to sound less formal, even in professional contexts.