depends on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depends on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is contingent or reliant upon another factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project depends on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Depends on what, depends on where.

The New Yorker

Commerce depends on trust.

The New York Times

It depends on it.

Independent

Nothing depends on names.

The New Yorker

It depends on money.

Independent

Progress depends on both.

The New York Times

It depends on inflation.

The New York Times

It depends on us".

BBC

"Everything depends on Carlos.

The New York Times - Sports

Much depends on the PP.

The Economist

It depends on the definition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depends on", ensure the sentence clearly states what the outcome depends on. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the conditions or factors involved.

Common error

Avoid using "depends on" without specifying what the outcome is contingent upon. For example, instead of saying "It depends", clarify with "It depends on the weather conditions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that a particular outcome or state is contingent upon a specific condition or factor. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in diverse contexts, from financial matters to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depends on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that an outcome or condition is contingent upon a particular factor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. It functions to express conditionality, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common contexts include news and media, wikis, and science. When using "depends on", ensure that the influencing factor is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinges on

This alternative suggests a critical point upon which something relies.

is contingent upon

This is a more formal way of saying "depends on", emphasizing conditionality.

is subject to

This phrase highlights the influence of something else on the outcome.

is determined by

This alternative emphasizes that something is definitively decided by another factor.

is conditional on

Similar to "is contingent upon", it stresses the conditional nature.

relies on

Focuses on the reliance or dependence on something for support or success.

is predicated on

Suggests that something is based or founded on a particular condition.

is a function of

Indicates a mathematical or systematic relationship between variables.

is governed by

Highlights the controlling or directing influence of something.

is affected by

This suggests that something is influenced or changed by another factor.

FAQs

How to use "depends on" in a sentence?

Use "depends on" to indicate that a result or outcome is conditional upon something else. For example, "Whether we go to the beach "depends on the weather"".

What can I say instead of "depends on"?

You can use alternatives like "hinges on", "is contingent upon", or "relies on depending on the context.

Which is correct, "depend on" or "depends on"?

"Depends on" is used when the subject is singular (e.g., "The decision depends on the budget"), while "depend on" is used when the subject is plural (e.g., "Their plans depend on the weather").

What's the difference between "depends on" and "is subject to"?

"Depends on" indicates a conditional relationship, while "is subject to" implies influence or control. For example, "The price depends on demand" versus "The contract is subject to approval".