depends upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depends upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is contingent or reliant on another factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project depends upon the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One depends upon the other.

The New York Times

It depends upon the college.

The New York Times

My company depends upon innovation.

The New York Times

So much depends upon lighting.

The New York Times - Books

Life depends upon finding cover.

The Guardian - Arts

Free culture depends upon copyright.

The New York Times

It depends upon world conditions.

The New York Times

The answer partly depends upon Wall Street.

The Economist

Apparently, far too much depends upon it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It depends upon whom you talk to.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It depends upon the time of year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depends upon", ensure that the relationship between the dependent and independent factors is clear to the reader. Specify both elements explicitly for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "depends upon" can sound overly formal in modern writing. Consider using the more common and accessible "depends on" in many contexts to avoid sounding stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depends upon" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a relationship of contingency or reliance. It links a subject to a condition or factor that influences its outcome. Ludwig examples showcase varied contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depends upon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express conditionality or dependence. Although correct, it's often perceived as more formal than its modern counterpart, "depends on". As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While acceptable, consider the context and audience to determine if the slightly more formal "depends upon" is the most appropriate choice, or if a more contemporary alternative would be more effective. Remember to make the link explicit to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is dependent on

A more modern and frequently used variant with identical meaning.

relies on

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the reliance of one thing on another for its existence or function.

is conditional upon

Similar to "is contingent on", this phrase makes the dependency explicit and formal.

is contingent on

This phrase introduces a condition that must be met for something else to occur or be true.

hinges on

This alternative carries a slightly more emphatic tone, suggesting that the outcome is significantly determined by the specified factor.

turns on

This suggests the outcome is significantly affected by a single, often critical, factor.

is subject to

This phrase indicates that something is affected by or conditional on something else, often implying potential change or variance.

is predicated on

This option suggests a foundational reliance; the subsequent element is based and built upon the prior one.

is determined by

This alternative highlights the cause-and-effect relationship where one factor directly influences the outcome.

is governed by

This suggests something is under the control of something else, and therefore depends on it.

FAQs

What is the difference between "depends on" and "depends upon"?

The phrases "depends on" and "depends upon" are largely interchangeable, both indicating that something is contingent on another factor. However, "depends upon" is considered more formal and less frequently used in contemporary English. Using "depends on" is generally preferred for a more modern and accessible tone.

When is it appropriate to use "depends upon" in writing?

Use "depends upon" in formal writing, historical contexts, or when aiming for a deliberately archaic tone. In most other situations, "depends on" will be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "depends upon"?

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

Is "depends upon" grammatically correct?

Yes, "depends upon" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard grammatical rules of English. Ludwig AI confirms this correctness.