highly contingent

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'highly contingent' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to mean that something is dependent on certain conditions. For example, "The success of our business is highly contingent on effective customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because ability level, location/teacher, and grade level were all highly contingent (contingency coefficients of 0.8, p <.001), we chose to focus analyses only on ability levels.

International Journal of STEM Education

All that can be observed is a succession of political experiments whose outcomes are highly contingent.

The Guardian

Several paradoxes still remain, all of them proof that this analysis is highly contingent.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The trouble is that 'what works' is a highly contingent concept," he said in an interview.

The Washington Post

This sort of study is almost always tentative and highly contingent.

The New York Times

Our evaluation also indicates that results are highly contingent on the nature of the data.

Information Systems

Second, ADCC immune responses are highly contingent on the natural killer (NK) cell effectors.

Vaccine

But in the video, Mr. McMurtry made it clear that forfeitures were highly contingent on the needs of law enforcement.

The New York Times

This is the final lesson of the late bloomer: his or her success is highly contingent on the efforts of others.

The New Yorker

But doesn't it seem in hindsight highly contingent -- mighty improbable, in fact -- that a Democrat with F.D.R.'s supreme political skills happened to occupy the White House then?

The New York Times - Books

In the scenarios outlined here, though, growing inequality is highly contingent on particular technologies and the global conditions of the moment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly contingent", clearly state the factors on which the subject is dependent to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project's success is highly contingent", specify "The project's success is highly contingent on securing adequate funding and resources."

Common error

Avoid using "highly contingent" without specifying the conditions or factors that influence the outcome. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretation and uncertainty. Always clarify the specific dependencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly contingent" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the extent to which something is dependent on certain conditions. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable status in English. It highlights that the occurrence or outcome of something is not certain but relies heavily on other factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly contingent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a strong dependence on specific conditions. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable term across various contexts. Predominantly found in science, news media, and academic writing, the phrase effectively communicates uncertainty and conditional dependence. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to explicitly state the factors on which something is dependent. Common errors involve omitting these crucial dependencies, leading to vague and potentially misleading statements. Remember to provide context to avoid misinterpretations and strengthen the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contingent upon circumstances

Explicitly states that the outcome is affected by external factors.

highly dependent on external factors

Expresses a strong reliance on outside influences.

very conditional

Emphasizes strong dependence on specific conditions being met.

greatly dependent

Highlights the reliance on external factors or circumstances.

subject to various conditions

Highlights that the outcome can be influenced by various requirements that have to be fulfilled.

subject to circumstances

Indicates that outcomes are influenced by the surrounding conditions.

largely determined by

Focuses on the significant influence of certain factors.

largely influenced by

Focuses on significant impact.

conditional upon

A more formal way of expressing dependence on a specific condition.

reliant on

Stresses the need for something else to be present or successful.

FAQs

What does "highly contingent" mean?

The phrase "highly contingent" means that something is very dependent on certain conditions or circumstances. Its outcome is not fixed but relies heavily on other factors.

How can I use "highly contingent" in a sentence?

You can use "highly contingent" to describe situations where results depend on specific factors. For example, "The company's profits are "highly contingent" on market demand and effective marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "highly contingent"?

Alternatives include "very conditional", "greatly dependent", or "subject to circumstances", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "highly contingent on" or "highly contingent upon"?

Both "highly contingent on" and "highly contingent upon" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "On" is generally considered more concise and modern, while "upon" can sound more formal.