it depended

USAGE SUMMARY

'it depended' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to reference something that is contingent upon or dependent on something else, typically after already introducing the subject of dependence. For example, "It had long been unresolved, but finally the answer became clear - it depended on the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It depended on your bloodwork.

The New Yorker

"It depended on the moment.

The New York Times - Sports

It depended on the biology of fat.

The New York Times

It depended on which one you asked.

The New York Times

It depended on the table you picked.

The New Yorker

It depended on when he was asked.

The New York Times - Sports

"It depended on who I was with".

The New Yorker

It depended which way you were looking.

The Guardian

"It depended on what the mood was".

The New York Times

Howard said it depended on the situation and the shooter.

The New York Times - Sports

It depended on the judges in the special courts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it depended", consider providing examples or specific scenarios to illustrate how the outcome changed based on different circumstances. This can enhance clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it depended" without specifying what it depended on. Always provide the context or factors that influenced the outcome to ensure the statement is meaningful and informative. For example, instead of saying "The success of the project depended", specify "The success of the project depended on securing sufficient funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it depended" serves as a conditional indicator, expressing that an outcome, situation, or characteristic was contingent upon certain circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used across various types of sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it depended" functions as a conditional indicator, conveying that an outcome or attribute was contingent on specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms it's widely used and grammatically correct, evident from the numerous examples drawn from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. To ensure clarity, always specify the factors influencing the outcome. Related phrases such as "it was conditional" or "it hinged on" can offer alternative ways to express the same concept. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively use "it depended" to provide nuanced and accurate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was conditional

Emphasizes the presence of a condition that affects the outcome.

it was contingent

Highlights the dependence on a particular event or circumstance.

it hinged on

Suggests that the outcome turned on a specific factor.

it relied on

Focuses on the reliance on something else for its existence or result.

it was subject to

Implies that something is vulnerable to change based on external factors.

it varied according to

Indicates that something changes in proportion to something else.

it was determined by

Emphasizes that a specific factor controlled the outcome.

it was a function of

Suggests a mathematical or logical relationship where one thing is dependent on another.

it was affected by

Implies an influence but not necessarily a complete determination.

the answer varied

Directly states that the response was not consistent but changed.

FAQs

How can I use "it depended" in a sentence?

You can use "it depended" to indicate that something was conditional or variable. For instance, "Whether we went to the beach "it depended" on the weather".

What are some alternatives to "it depended"?

Alternatives include "it varied", "it relied on", or "it was conditional" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it depends" instead of "it depended"?

Yes, "it depends" is the present tense form, while "it depended" is the past tense. Use "it depends" for current or general situations and "it depended" for past situations.

What is the difference between "it depended on" and "it was dependent on"?

"It depended on" is a verb phrase indicating that something relied on or was conditional upon something else. "It was dependent on" is an adjective phrase with the same meaning but may sound slightly more formal.