depending upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending upon which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a condition or choice that is contingent on a specific factor or option. Example: "The outcome of the project will vary depending upon which strategy we choose to implement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Groundbreaking is expected this fall, though the completion date varies, depending upon which agency is asked.

The New York Times

The film is sustaining or harrowing, depending upon which woman one thinks about.

The Guardian - Film

He shuttles employees between the two shops, depending upon which is busiest.

The New York Times

If not, Senator Cornyn or Senator Sessions, depending upon which one is here.

The Washington Post

Depending upon which enzyme is affected, these conditions may affect the liver, muscles, or both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And definitions of abuse or neglect vary depending upon which agency has oversight.

The New York Times

(Chaplin's music for his films is appropriately jaunty or saccharine, depending upon which Charlie is on screen).

The New York Times - Arts

Consisting of 99 or 100 articles, depending upon which copy is consulted, this document had no official title.

Yale University

From here, depending upon which side of the square I stand, I can look west across the Hudson River toward the open green lands of New Jersey.

The New York Times

About a mile away, Seteais Palace is a meticulously tended hotel whose name, depending upon which legend one believes, means either "seven echoes" or "seven sighs".

The New York Times - Magazine

An election that has the power to change everything, as it surely will, depending upon which party gains control of Congress and the presidency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depending upon which", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the options being considered. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence constructions when using "depending upon which". Simpler alternatives like "depending on what" might improve readability without losing meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that specifies a condition or contingency. It sets the stage for an outcome that varies based on a particular choice or factor. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "depending upon which" is a versatile phrase used to express conditionality and contingency, particularly in scenarios where outcomes vary based on specific choices. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, scientific and academic writing. While similar to "depending on what", "depending upon which" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using "depending upon which", clarity is key: ensure the options are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider simpler alternatives like "based on which" or "contingent on which" for improved readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on what

Simplifies the phrase by replacing "upon which" with "on what", making it slightly less formal.

based on which

Replaces "depending upon" with "based on", focusing on the foundation or reason for a decision.

contingent on which

Substitutes "depending upon" with "contingent on", emphasizing the conditional aspect of the choice.

conditional on what

Similar to "contingent on which", but uses "conditional", highlighting the dependency.

depending on the specific

Emphasizes the specificity of the item or factor that the decision is contingent upon.

subject to which

Indicates that the outcome is determined by the item or factor being discussed.

reliant on which

Suggests that the result is heavily dependent on the selection.

in accordance with which

Adds a layer of formality, suggesting a compliance or agreement factor.

as determined by which

Highlights the decision-making authority influencing the outcome.

relative to which

Focuses on the comparative aspect of the selection process.

FAQs

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

Use "depending upon which" to indicate that a particular outcome or action is conditional on a specific choice or factor. For example, "The success of the experiment varies, "depending upon which" method is applied."

What are some alternatives to using "depending upon which"?

You can use alternatives like "based on which", "depending on what", or "contingent on which". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "depending upon which" formal or informal?

"Depending upon which" is generally considered more formal. In more casual contexts, "depending on what" might be more appropriate.

How does "depending upon which" differ from "depending on what"?

While similar in meaning, "depending upon which" is often seen as more formal and precise. "Depending on what" is a simpler, more commonly used alternative in informal contexts.