depends substantially on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depends substantially on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the degree to which one thing relies on or is influenced by another factor. Example: "The success of the project depends substantially on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

However, in practice, substantial variability in productivity means the marginal productivity of labor depends substantially on which new workers are hired which requires not an estimate of a causal effect, but rather a prediction.

Harvard University

Among children, performance depends substantially on age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That depends substantially on where government sets the boundaries.

The New Yorker

Peace or more war in Syria depends substantially on rival intelligence assessments.

The Guardian

The magnitude of future climate change depends substantially on the greenhouse gas emission pathways we choose.

Stanford University

Program effectiveness depends substantially on the intervention system of which the program is a part.

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Authors' livelihoods depend substantially on the collection of proceeds from subsidiary uses of their work after first publication.

Stanford University

This is relatively unattractive for the experts, whose results depend substantially on the mistakes made against them by the C group.

The New York Times - Arts

Early medieval Italy was far more forested than it is today, and peasants seem to have depended substantially on woodland gathering to supplement their diet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the paper notes, "the prices different organisations are charged for their purchases depend substantially on whether they meet local expectations for who they are and what they do.

The Guardian - Business

We first investigate whether the estimates of (ACa) depend substantially on the extension of the observed short wavelength wing of the Ca xix resonance line.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depends substantially on", ensure that the subject and the factor it depends on are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "depends substantially on" when the relationship is only a minor influence. Opt for phrases like "is somewhat related to" or "is partially influenced by" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends substantially on" functions as a linking phrase indicating a significant level of reliance or influence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is often employed to establish a direct and important connection between two or more elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

26%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "depends substantially on" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a significant level of reliance or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread usage across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and academic writing, as well as news media, indicating a strong connection between two or more factors. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overstating the dependence. Alternatives such as "relies heavily on" or "is largely contingent on" can be used to add nuance. Be mindful of the context and the desired level of formality to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relies heavily on

This alternative suggests a strong dependence, similar to "depends substantially on" but with a focus on reliance.

is largely contingent on

This phrase emphasizes that the outcome is conditional upon another factor.

is greatly influenced by

This highlights the impact of one thing on another, focusing on influence rather than strict dependence.

is significantly affected by

This alternative is similar but focuses on the effect of a variable or situation.

is strongly determined by

This implies a more direct and powerful influence, where one factor dictates the outcome.

hinges primarily on

This suggests that everything turns on a single, crucial factor.

is predicated on

This phrase indicates that something is based on a particular condition or assumption.

is fundamentally linked to

This highlights an essential connection, suggesting that the two are inherently related.

is intrinsically tied to

Similar to 'fundamentally linked', this emphasizes an inseparable connection.

is deeply rooted in

This implies that the dependence is due to a fundamental or historical basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "depends substantially on" to indicate that one thing relies heavily or is significantly influenced by another. For instance, "The project's success "depends substantially on" effective teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "depends substantially on"?

Alternatives include "relies heavily on", "is largely contingent on", or "is greatly influenced by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "depends substantially on" or "depends significantly on"?

Both "depends substantially on" and "depends significantly on" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "depends substantially on" and "is based on"?

"Depends substantially on" suggests a strong reliance or influence, while "is based on" indicates that something is founded or predicated on a particular condition. The former implies that without the factor it depends on, something cannot thrive, while the latter suggests that it's constructed upon that basis.