it depends on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

'it depends on whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something relies on a certain condition being met. For example: "It depends on whether the doctor approves the procedure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It depends on whether one looks at presidential tone or the administration's actions.

The Washington Post

It depends on whether the country can put its growing labour force to productive use.

The Economist

It depends on whether guests come back".

The New York Times

It depends on whether your neighbor can positively identify him".

The New York Times

It depends on whether the fire happens again.

The New Yorker

It depends on whether the cannibals are hungry.

The New York Times

It depends on whether injustice inspires England, or destroys them.

The Guardian - Sport

It depends on whether he has anything in his blood".

The New York Times - Sports

"It depends on whether we retain free agents or not.

The New York Times - Sports

It depends on whether the Palestinians seize it.

The New York Times

It depends on whether or not Bynum flourishes.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it depends on whether", ensure the 'whether' clause clearly states the condition that influences the outcome. For instance, "It depends on whether the contract is signed before the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "it depends on whether" without specifying the alternatives clearly. For example, instead of just saying "It depends on whether", clarify: "It depends on whether we get the funding or not."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it depends on whether" functions as a conditional connector, indicating that a particular outcome or situation is contingent upon a specific condition being met. As Ludwig AI suggests, the correctness and usability of the phrase are confirmed by its widespread use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it depends on whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express conditionality, suggesting that an outcome is contingent upon a specific circumstance. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts, showing its versatility across various forms of communication. To enhance clarity, ensure that the conditional clause is explicitly stated. Related phrases such as "it hinges on whether" and "it relies on whether" can be used as alternatives to convey similar meanings. By avoiding ambiguity and clearly defining the condition, one can effectively use "it depends on whether" in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it hinges on whether

Replaces "depends on" with "hinges on", implying a critical point of reliance.

it relies on whether

Substitutes "depends on" with "relies on", emphasizing the reliance on a specific condition.

it's contingent on whether

Uses "contingent on" instead of "depends on", indicating that the outcome is conditional.

it's conditional on whether

Similar to "contingent on", but more explicitly states the conditional nature.

it's subject to whether

Replaces "depends on" with "subject to", indicating reliance on a condition or factor.

the outcome rests on whether

Emphasizes that the final result is determined by the presence of a specific factor.

success is predicated on whether

Indicates the degree to which a success depends on a factor.

the answer varies depending on whether

Specifies the answer changes, depending on a factor.

that's all relative depending on whether

Specifies that the question depends on context.

this is dictated by whether

Suggests that something is definitively determined by the condition.

FAQs

How can I use "it depends on whether" in a sentence?

Use "it depends on whether" to indicate that a certain outcome relies on a specific condition being met. For example, "The success of the project "it depends on whether" we receive adequate resources."

What are some alternatives to "it depends on whether"?

You can use phrases like "it hinges on whether", "it relies on whether", or "it's contingent on whether" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it depends whether" without the "on"?

While sometimes used informally, the grammatically correct and preferred form is "it depends on whether". Omitting "on" is generally considered less formal.

How does "it depends on whether" differ from "it depends on"?

"It depends on" is used when the outcome relies on a general factor or situation, whereas ""it depends on whether"" introduces a specific condition or binary choice. For example, "It depends on the weather" versus ""it depends on whether" it rains or not."