depends on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

'depends on whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when expressing a condition or idea that is determined by another factor. Example: "Our plans for the weekend depend on whether or not it rains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything depends on whether these actually sell".

The New York Times

Payment depends on whether you arrive.

The Guardian

The answer depends on whether you believe.

Britannica

It depends on whether your neighbor can positively identify him".

The New York Times

That depends on whether the measure is size or weight.

The New York Times - Books

Much depends on whether Osborne's successors carry through his thinking.

The Guardian

It depends on whether the fire happens again.

The New Yorker

"It all depends on whether they want to surrender".

The New York Times

Everything depends on whether Gareth Bale stays or goes.

The Guardian - Sport

"It first depends on whether the plumes are really there".

The Guardian

That depends on whether the President takes the advisers' advice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally placing the 'whether' clause at the beginning. For example: "Whether the team wins depends on their preparation."

Common error

Avoid using "That depends" as a standalone sentence without further context. While common in informal speech, it often lacks clarity in writing. Instead, expand it to clarify what the outcome depends on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends on whether" functions as a conditional connector, indicating that the truth or realization of a statement is contingent upon a specific condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English to express dependence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depends on whether" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express conditionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that the outcome of a situation is contingent upon a specific circumstance. Analysis of various sources reveals that its usage is prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, it's important to clearly define the possible outcomes when using this phrase. While "it depends" is acceptable in informal speech, providing more context is preferable in formal writing. Overall, understanding and correctly using "depends on whether" can significantly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinges on whether

Emphasizes that the outcome is critically reliant on a specific condition.

turns on whether

Highlights the pivotal role of a condition in determining the result.

is contingent on whether

Formally expresses that something is conditional or dependent upon another factor.

is subject to whether

Indicates that the outcome is governed or affected by a particular condition.

is conditional on whether

States that the result is directly linked to a specific condition being met.

is determined by whether

Focuses on the causative relationship, where the condition directly influences the outcome.

rests on whether

Implies that the entire matter is supported or based on a single condition.

revolves around whether

Suggests that the core issue or concern centers on a particular condition.

is predicated on whether

Emphasizes that the statement or action is based or founded on a specific condition.

the deciding factor is whether

Highlights that one particular condition will ultimately determine the outcome.

FAQs

How do I use "depends on whether" in a sentence?

Use "depends on whether" to indicate that an outcome is conditional. For example, "Our vacation plans "depends on whether" we can get time off from work".

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

You can use alternatives like "hinges on whether", "turns on whether", or "is contingent on whether", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it depends"?

Yes, "it depends" is grammatically correct, but it's often considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to provide more context by specifying what the outcome depends on. A more complete sentence using ""depends on whether"" is preferable.

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

"Depends on whether" is generally considered more grammatically correct than "depends if", particularly in formal writing. "Whether" introduces a clause that presents two alternatives, while "if" is more commonly used for conditional clauses. So, ""depends on whether"" is usually a better choice.