first depends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first depends" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a condition or reliance on something that comes first, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The outcome first depends on the quality of the data we collect."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The first depends on the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), which is activated by the G protein-coupled receptor (Gpr1/Gpa2) and Ras2, which in parallel control the majority of glucose-induced changes in gene expression via modulating transcription factors (TFs) [ 21].

Biotechnology for Biofuels

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

The Guardian

Which comes first depends on whom you ask.

The New York Times - Food

It first depends on what the lawyer is given to work with.

The New York Times

The first depends mainly on Israel; the second mostly on the Palestinians; but they are intertwined.

The Economist

"Obviously the importance of finishing first depends on who is second in the other groups but we want to give a message that we are ready and prepared".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Reaction times were analyzed in two ways: first, depending on the stimulus type presented (stimulus-dependent analysis) and second, depending on the subject's response (classification of a stimulus as spider, flower or neither/nor: response-dependent analysis).

Behavioral and Brain Functions

This leads to the second condition: people should first depend upon law enforcement to protect themselves.

The New York Times

Detroit may be the first, depending on the outcome of the casino-tax dispute.

The New York Times

First, depending on the details of the deal, there could still be too great a fiscal squeeze in 2013.

The Economist

It can be a safer option to communicate with the pilot first, depending on the situation".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a primary condition, use clearer alternatives like "primarily depends on" or "initially relies on" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "first depends" directly. It's often perceived as grammatically awkward. Rephrase to specify what 'primarily relies' or 'initially hinges' on for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first depends" functions as a linking phrase indicating a condition or prerequisite. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect. The intended function is to show that something is contingent on a prior factor, similar to how a dependent clause operates, but it requires rephrasing for clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "first depends" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It serves the purpose of indicating a condition or dependency, but it's advisable to use clearer, grammatically sound alternatives like "primarily depends on" or "initially relies on". Its usage spans from scientific and news media to informal contexts, but formal writing benefits from more precise phrasing. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, opt for alternatives that explicitly state the dependency relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily depends on

Emphasizes the main factor influencing the outcome, replacing "first" with "primarily" for clarity.

initially relies on

Highlights the starting point of dependence, substituting "first" with "initially" for better flow.

hinges primarily on

Indicates that something crucial is dependent on a specific factor, improving grammatical correctness.

is primarily conditional on

Clarifies the conditional nature of the relationship, making the dependence more explicit.

is contingent primarily on

Similar to 'conditional,' this phrase emphasizes the dependence on a specific condition.

chiefly relies on

Focuses on the main source of reliance, providing a more formal tone.

fundamentally relies on

Highlights the essential dependence on a key element or condition.

largely depends on

Indicates a significant, but not necessarily exclusive, dependence.

primarily is determined by

Shifts the focus to determination rather than dependence, offering a slightly different perspective.

first and foremost relies on

Emphasizes the priority and dependence simultaneously, providing a stronger sense of order.

FAQs

What is the best way to rephrase "first depends" to improve grammatical correctness?

Instead of "first depends", consider using alternatives like "primarily depends on" or "initially relies on" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy.

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

You can say, "The success of the project primarily depends on the quality of the data we collect."

Is there a difference in meaning between "first depends" and "initially relies on"?

While both attempt to convey a condition, "initially relies on" more clearly indicates the starting point of dependence, whereas "first depends" is grammatically weak. It's better to use "primarily depends on".

What are some common situations where I might want to use a phrase similar to "first depends"?

You might use a similar phrase when outlining the factors influencing an outcome, describing a process that relies on a prior step, or explaining a condition that must be met before something else can occur. In these instances, alternatives like "hinges primarily on" or "is contingent primarily on" can improve clarity.