depends on what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depends on what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or outcome that is contingent upon specific conditions or factors. Example: "The success of the project depends on what resources we have available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That depends on what happens in court".

The New York Times

"It depends on what we can find.

Independent

It depends on what he does now.

The New York Times

It all depends on what occurs next.

The New York Times - Sports

-It depends on what she looks like.

Independent

That depends on what your priorities are.

The New York Times

It depends on what the term means.

The New York Times - Books

It depends on what you value most.

Independent

That depends on what you want.

The New York Times

"It depends on what the facts are.

The New York Times - Sports

That depends on what you are growing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depends on what", ensure that the context clearly indicates the potential conditions or factors influencing the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "depends on what" without clearly specifying or implying the "what". For example, instead of just saying "It depends on what", provide context: "It "depends on what" the weather is like."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends on what" functions as a conditional connector, indicating that the truth or outcome of a statement is contingent upon specific circumstances. It is frequently used to introduce a condition or factor that influences a decision or result. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depends on what" is a common and versatile phrase used to express conditionality. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, wiki content, and scientific writing. When using "depends on what", ensure that the conditional factors are clear to avoid ambiguity. While informal alternatives exist, "depends on what" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Consider stronger synonyms like "hinges on what" for situations needing emphasis. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey that an outcome is not fixed but varies based on specific factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is contingent on what

Similar to "depends", but slightly more formal.

is conditional on what

More formal and explicitly states the conditional relationship.

hinges on what

Uses a stronger verb to emphasize the critical dependency.

turns on what

Implies a pivotal point that dictates the outcome.

is determined by what

Focuses on the factors that influence the outcome.

relies on what

Emphasizes the reliance on specific elements.

is subject to what

Highlights the conditional nature and potential constraints.

the result is based on what

Explicitly states that the result relies on certain conditions.

is a function of what

Mathematical term to express how the subject relies on the conditions.

is predicated on what

Formal expression to convey that the conditions are what originate the subject.

FAQs

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

The phrase ""depends on what"" is used to indicate that an outcome or decision is conditional. Example: "Whether we go to the beach "depends on what" the weather forecast is."

What's a more formal way to say "depends on what"?

More formal alternatives include "is contingent on what" or "is conditional on what". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it always necessary to specify "what" after "depends on what"?

While not always required, clarity is key. If the "what" is not immediately obvious from the context, it's best to specify it to avoid ambiguity. For instance instead of saying "It "depends on what"", provide the conditions as "It "depends on what" they decide."

What are some similar phrases to ""depends on what""?

Similar phrases include "hinges on what", "is subject to what", or "is determined by what", each carrying slightly different nuances of conditionality.