it definitely depends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it definitely depends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where the outcome or decision is contingent on various factors. Example: "Whether we proceed with the project or not, it definitely depends on the budget approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It definitely depends which part of town you're in.

The New Yorker

C: It definitely depends on how it feels when you try it out.

TechCrunch

"It definitely depends on who we are dressing," Zangardi says.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It very definitely depends on the language being first-order and countable.

SEP

"It will definitely depend on how the new government behaves," said Vladimir Zharikin, a Moscow-based analyst.

The Guardian

Moreover, the cellular entry of a nanomaterial definitely depends on its surface charge and toxic effects of positively charged nanomaterial have widely been explored, but it was not observed when the same material coated with negatively charged functional groups [103, 104].

Nano Convergence

Gifts: This definitely depends on the destination, but it's hard to resist the wonders of Japanese department stores like Takashimaya or Daimaru.

The New York Times

"The number of operations women undergo definitely depends on where you're treated, and even to a greater level on which surgeon you see," Dr. McCahill said.

The New York Times - Health

This most definitely depends on how well Strange does at the box office, but as a sequel to Guardians is almost guaranteed - Marvel love their trilogies - then it seems the most likely of the two.

Independent

Therefore, that the success of organizations in this economy definitely depends on having qualitative services and customer-oriented staffs.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"Growth of the communities definitely depends on what the earliest members believe.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it definitely depends" when you want to acknowledge that there isn't a single, straightforward answer and that various factors need to be considered. Be sure to clarify what those factors are for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it definitely depends" as a vague response without specifying what the outcome depends on. Always follow up with the key factors or conditions that influence the result to provide a clear and informative answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it definitely depends" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express that a particular outcome or answer is conditional and contingent on certain factors. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that this phrase is a way of acknowledging complexity and avoiding a straightforward yes or no answer.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it definitely depends" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express conditionality and nuance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to indicate that an outcome is contingent on specific factors, making it essential to provide context when using this phrase. While suitable for various communication styles, ensuring clarity is crucial to avoid vagueness. The phrase is found commonly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it really hinges on

Emphasizes the pivotal factor that determines the result.

it largely relies on

Highlights the dependency on something for success or a specific outcome.

it's highly conditional on

Focuses on the presence of specific conditions being crucial.

it's contingent upon

A more formal way to express dependence on an event or condition.

the outcome is subject to

Highlights that the result is not fixed and can change based on circumstances.

it's all about

The emphasis is strongly on the key factor.

the key is

The focus is on finding the key.

everything revolves around

Highlights how the central thing is critical and all related things depend on that.

success is tied to

The focus is strongly on success and its relationship with the key factor.

it boils down to

Highlights that a complicated matter can be summarized to a key detail.

FAQs

What does "it definitely depends" mean?

The phrase "it definitely depends" means that the answer or outcome is not certain and is subject to various conditions or factors that influence it. It indicates a need for further context or information to provide a more specific response.

How can I use "it definitely depends" in a sentence?

You can use "it definitely depends" to acknowledge uncertainty and highlight the factors that influence an outcome. For example: "Whether we proceed with the project or not, "it definitely depends" on the budget approval."

What are some alternatives to "it definitely depends"?

You can use alternatives like "it really hinges on", "it largely relies on", or "it's highly conditional on depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "it definitely depends"?

It is appropriate to use "it definitely depends" when a situation's outcome is not fixed and varies depending on specific circumstances or conditions. This is especially useful when providing a precise answer isn't possible without further clarification.