depends on the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depends on the" is correct and usable in written English.
It's often used to describe a situation that varies depending on the circumstances, and is usually followed by a noun or phrase. For example, "My decision to accept the job offer depends on the salary that is offered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much depends on the PP.

The Economist

It depends on the definition.

The Economist

It depends on the price.

The Economist

Much depends on the president.

The Economist

Much depends on the banks.

The Economist

It depends on the purpose.

The New York Times

It depends on the piece.

The New York Times

It depends on the interpretation.

The New Yorker

That depends on the sponsors.

The Economist

"Everything depends on the collective.

The New York Times - Sports

That depends on the programme.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depends on the", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what factor the outcome is contingent upon. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "depends on the" without explicitly stating what it depends on. For example, instead of saying "The success depends on the…", clarify it with "The success of the project depends on the funding received."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends on the" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates that the result or outcome is conditional, meaning it will vary depending on the specific factor that follows 'the'. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depends on the" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that a result or outcome is conditional. It’s grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, including news, general writing, and academic discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and correctness. For clearer communication, always specify what factor the outcome depends on. Common alternatives include "hinges on the", "is contingent on the", and "relies on the". Remember to specify the conditioning factor for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinges on the

Changes the verb to 'hinges', emphasizing that something is critically reliant on something else.

turns on the

Suggests that the outcome is directly affected or influenced by a specific aspect.

is contingent on the

Replaces the verb with a more formal phrase 'is contingent', indicating dependence on a specific condition.

is conditional upon the

Highlights the conditionality of an event or outcome on another event or factor.

is subject to the

Indicates that something is conditional and might change based on something else.

is determined by the

Shifts focus to the element that dictates the outcome, implying a causal relationship.

relies upon the

Emphasizes the reliance or dependence on a particular factor or element.

is affected by the

Focuses on the influence that a specific element exerts on another.

is a function of the

States that an outcome varies with something, often used in a mathematical or scientific context.

is governed by the

Implies that rules or principles related to something will affect the outcome

FAQs

How to use "depends on the" in a sentence?

Use "depends on the" to show that an outcome or result is conditional. For example, "Whether we go to the beach "depends on the weather"."

What can I say instead of "depends on the"?

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

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

"Depends on the" is correct when referring to a singular subject or a specific condition. Use "depend on the" for plural subjects or general conditions.

What's the difference between "depends on the" and "it depends"?

"Depends on the" is used within a sentence to specify what the outcome is conditional upon. "It depends" is a standalone phrase used as a short answer, implying the outcome is conditional but without specifying what affects it.