depends on the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depends on the latter" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something relies on or is affected by something else which was previously discussed, usually the latter thing referred to in the conversation. For example: "I'm not sure if I'll make the party. It depends on the latter - how late I'm working that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Diplomacy depends on the latter.

The New Yorker

He saw that there was no need to make a trade-off between political and social well-being and the freedom of expression; on the contrary, the former depends on the latter.

The New York Times

On Wednesday March 16th, Texan crude was changing hands for around $54.60 per barrel.If predicting the oil price is like forecasting the weather, it might be because the former often depends on the latter.

The Economist

Thus the former supposedly depends on the latter but not vice versa.

SEP

Fixing this sorry state depends on the latter.

Los Angeles Times

Because traditional cell lines and xenografts do not recapitulate the cellular and morphological heterogeneity observed in xenografts arising from implantation of tumor cells taken directly from patients and not passaged in vitro, CSC biology depends on the latter form of xenografts.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Furthermore, they have an intermediary role between central government and local communities and depend on the latter for commitment and compliance with local action plans.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

A key objective should be to break the integrated transnational networks that have been consolidating over the past years, to gradually isolate their criminal leadership from other groups and individuals whose livelihood, in the absence of alternatives, has come to depend on the latter.

Huffington Post

Delays in the subsequent patient trajectory depended on the latter's process time.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Alternatively, depending on the latter strategies effectiveness to enforce differentiation, RARRES3 activation could offer a useful pretreatment to improve the effect of conventional therapies.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

UV-only blocking IOLs provide circadian photoreception at any given age roughly 15 20 years younger than blue-blocking IOLs, depending on the latter's dioptric power.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the "latter" is clearly defined and easily identifiable within the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. If the reference is not immediately clear, rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "depends on the latter" if the items being compared are not immediately obvious or are too far apart in the text. This can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends on the latter" functions as a connector indicating a relationship of dependence. It typically follows a comparison between two elements, specifying that the first element's state or outcome is contingent upon the second. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "depends on the latter" is grammatically sound and serves to establish a dependency between two previously mentioned items. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's most commonly found in science and news media, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the reference to "the latter" is unambiguous to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "relies on the latter" or "hinges on the latter" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances. Remember to avoid using the phrase if the items being compared are not immediately obvious or are too far apart in the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relies on the latter

Indicates a strong dependence, where the first element cannot function without the second.

turns on the latter

Implies that the outcome or result significantly depends on the specified element.

hinges on the latter

Emphasizes that the second element is crucial for the success or existence of the first.

is determined by the latter

Focuses on the causality, where the second element defines the characteristics of the first.

is conditional upon the latter

Emphasizes the requirement of the second element for the existence or occurrence of the first.

is contingent on the latter

Highlights the conditional nature of the relationship; the first element is only possible if the second is true or present.

is a function of the latter

Highlights a mathematical or logical dependency.

is predicated on the latter

Suggests that the first element is founded or based on the second.

is governed by the latter

Implies a regulatory relationship where the second element dictates the behaviour of the first.

is subject to the latter

Indicates that the first element is influenced or controlled by the second.

FAQs

How can I use "depends on the latter" in a sentence?

Use "depends on the latter" to show that something is contingent upon a previously mentioned item. For example, "The project's success depends on the latter—consistent funding and dedicated staff".

What are some alternatives to "depends on the latter"?

You can use alternatives such as "relies on the latter", "hinges on the latter", or "is contingent on the latter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "depends on the latter" or "relies on the latter"?

"Relies on the latter" and "depends on the latter" are fairly interchangeable in terms of formality, though "relies on" might be slightly more common in everyday speech. Both are suitable for most contexts.

When should I avoid using "depends on the latter"?

Avoid using "depends on the latter" if the "latter" reference is ambiguous or too distant in the text. In such cases, it’s better to rephrase for clarity to avoid reader confusion.