is predicated upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is predicated upon" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is based or dependent on something else for its existence, truth, or validity. Example: The success of the project is predicated upon the support and cooperation of all team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, according to Jarvis's diagnosis, marriage — even the strongest of marriages — is predicated upon wifely confinement.

The New Yorker

*United's business plan is predicated upon a significant near-term rebound in revenue.

The New York Times

Artistic experimentation is ostensibly encouraged, but largely, the community is predicated upon salable aesthetics.

The Guardian - Tech

Kenya's own tourist industry is predicated upon a steady flow of well-heeled Europeans into Nairobi.

Independent

The Reid interrogation technique is predicated upon an accurate determination, during Behavioral Analysis, of whether the suspect is lying.

The New Yorker

It is predicated upon the notion that one should hit agents where it hurts - in their percentages.

The Guardian - Sport

It is predicated upon the idea that competitive markets are central to investment, efficiency, innovation, and growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the idea that the design of buildings is predicated upon a coefficient of investment and revenue stream is really nothing new.

The Guardian

But the "Bachelor" franchise is predicated upon the idea that the foundation of a marriage can be built in two months.

The New Yorker

Indeed, there is something cultish about the atmosphere at F&C, not least because the school's future is predicated upon its adherents' loyalty to the cause.

The Guardian - Tech

Contrary to the assemblywoman's implication, this is neither a novel, nor a "phony," legal concept, but rather is predicated upon five decades of legal precedent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is predicated upon", ensure the relationship between the subject and the foundation is clear to avoid ambiguity. Explicitly state what the subject relies on for its existence or validity.

Common error

Avoid using "is predicated upon" with overly abstract or undefined concepts. Ground the statement in concrete terms to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of "Success is predicated upon hard work", specify: "The project's success is predicated upon the team's consistent effort and adherence to deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is predicated upon" functions as a linking verb indicating a relationship of dependence or foundation. As Ludwig indicates, it connects a subject to the condition or basis upon which it relies. Examples show it used to explain core dependencies in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is predicated upon" signifies that something is based on or dependent on something else. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used. Found frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, this phrase indicates a relationship of reliance or foundation. While alternatives like "is based on" or "depends on" exist, "is predicated upon" offers a more formal and precise tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the relationship you are establishing to avoid vagueness. Keep in mind its formal register, making it most suitable for academic, technical, or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is based on

Emphasizes the foundation or groundwork upon which something is built, slightly less formal.

is dependent on

Highlights the reliance of one thing on another for its existence or function, conveying a sense of contingency.

relies on

Focuses on the act of depending on something, often implying a necessary condition for success or operation.

hinges on

Suggests that the outcome or success is critically determined by a single key factor, adding a sense of precariousness.

is contingent on

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the relationship, where one thing is only true or possible if another is.

is grounded in

Implies a deep and fundamental connection, suggesting that something is firmly established on a particular basis.

is rooted in

Similar to 'grounded in' but often used to convey a historical or cultural connection.

is founded on

Highlights the establishment or creation of something on a specific principle or idea.

is conditional on

Stresses that something will happen only if certain conditions are met.

is subject to

Indicates that something is vulnerable to or affected by something else, implying a lack of full control.

FAQs

What does "is predicated upon" mean?

The phrase "is predicated upon" means that something is based on or depends on something else. It indicates a necessary condition or foundation.

How can I use "is predicated upon" in a sentence?

Use "is predicated upon" to show that one thing relies on another. For example, "The success of the experiment "is predicated upon" accurate data collection."

What are some alternatives to "is predicated upon"?

You can use alternatives like "is based on", "is dependent on", or "relies on" depending on the specific context.

Is "is predicated upon" formal or informal?

"Is predicated upon" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or technical writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "is based on" or "depends on" may be more appropriate.