depends on how

USAGE SUMMARY

"depends on how" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is contingent upon something else. For example, "What time will the meeting start? It depends on how quickly we can assemble the necessary materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This depends on how fast things progress.

WikiHow

It depends on how much.

The Economist

It depends on how you do it.

The New York Times

It depends on how it is packaged.

The New York Times - Sports

It depends on how you use it".

The New Yorker

It depends on how it evolves.

The New York Times - Sports

It depends on how you measure it.

The New York Times

It just depends on how it goes.

Independent

That depends on how valuable truthfulness is.

The New Yorker

A lot depends on how he behaves.

The New York Times - Sports

Much depends on how the protagonists act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depends on how", ensure the 'how' aspect is clearly specified. The clarity of the influencing factor strengthens the sentence and provides a more understandable context.

Common error

Avoid using "depends on how" without specifying the 'how'. For instance, instead of saying "The success depends on how", specify "The success depends on how well the plan is executed" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends on how" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the condition or manner that influences the outcome. It introduces a clause specifying the influencing factor. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depends on how" is a versatile phrase used to express conditionality, indicating that an outcome is contingent on the manner in which something is done. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It's used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, with a neutral register that suits both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, always specify the 'how' aspect when using this phrase. Consider related alternatives such as "hinges on the method" or "is conditional on the way" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinges on the method

This phrase emphasizes that the outcome is entirely reliant on the specific method used.

turns on the manner

This phrase suggests that the outcome is directly influenced by the manner in which something is handled.

relies on the execution

This phrase focuses on the importance of how something is carried out in determining the result.

is conditional on the way

This alternative highlights that the result is subject to the manner in which something is done.

is subject to the approach

This phrase indicates the outcome varies based on the specific approach taken.

is contingent on the technique

This alternative implies a direct correlation between the chosen technique and the result.

is determined by the process

This phrase indicates the outcome is definitively shaped by the process involved.

is a function of the style

This alternative suggests that the outcome directly reflects the style or manner in which something is done.

is governed by the way

This phrase emphasizes that the result is controlled or dictated by the method used.

is a matter of the means

This phrase highlights that the outcome is primarily determined by the specific means or methods employed.

FAQs

How can I use "depends on how" in a sentence?

You can use "depends on how" to indicate that a particular outcome is contingent on the manner in which something is done. For example, "Whether we go to the beach /s/depends+on+how the weather is".

What are some alternatives to saying "depends on how"?

Alternatives include "hinges on how", "relies on how", or "is contingent on how". The choice of alternative /s/depends+on+how the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is depending on how"?

No, "it is depending on how" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "it depends on how" or "it is dependent on how".

What's the difference between "depends on how" and "depends on whether"?

"Depends on how" refers to the manner in which something is done, while "/s/depends+on+whether" refers to a condition or choice. For example, "The quality /s/depends+on+how the product is manufactured", versus "The trip /s/depends+on+whether we can get tickets".