it depends upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it depends upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that the outcome or situation is contingent on certain factors or conditions. Example: "The success of the project depends upon the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The filing is expected to shed light on Zynga's business, including how much it depends upon Facebook for its revenue.

The New York Times

It depends upon us".

Independent

It depends upon the college.

The New York Times

It depends upon world conditions.

The New York Times

It depends upon whom you talk to.

The Guardian

It depends upon the time of year.

The Guardian

"It depends upon the time of day," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

It depends upon how much dough they can raise.

The New Yorker

The market is not nature; it depends upon nature.

The Guardian

And it depends upon the quality of the eggs.

The Guardian - Sport

Many are the conditions that it depends upon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it depends upon", ensure that the conditions or factors it depends on are clearly stated or easily inferred from the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it depends upon" without specifying what the outcome relies on, leaving the reader uncertain about the determining factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it depends upon" functions as a connector indicating conditionality or contingency. It introduces the idea that a certain outcome or state is not fixed but rather reliant on specific circumstances or factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it depends upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate conditionality. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. While slightly more formal than "it depends on", it is suitable for a range of contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase emphasizes that an outcome is contingent on specific factors, and clear communication of these factors is crucial for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it relies on

A more direct and commonly used synonym for "depends", suitable for various contexts.

it is dependent on

Direct synonym for "depends on", indicating reliance or necessity.

it hinges on

Replaces "depends" with a more vivid metaphor emphasizing the critical importance of the determining factor.

it is determined by

Focuses on the factors that definitively decide the outcome.

it is contingent on

Formal and emphasizes conditionality, implying a formal agreement or established condition.

it is conditional on

Similar to "contingent", stressing that something will only happen if specific conditions are met.

it is subject to

Highlights the influence of external factors and possible changes.

it is based on

Highlights the underlying foundation or criteria upon which something is established.

it is a function of

Suggests a mathematical or logical relationship where the outcome is directly related to the input.

it boils down to

Simplifies the determining factors to a core, essential element.

FAQs

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

Use "it depends upon" to indicate that the outcome of a situation is conditional on certain factors. For example, "Whether we go to the beach "it depends upon" the weather."

What are some alternatives to "it depends upon"?

You can use alternatives like "it relies on", "it hinges on", or "it is contingent on" depending on the context.

Is "it depends upon" formal or informal?

"It depends upon" is slightly more formal than "it depends on", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts.

Which is correct, "it depends on" or "it depends upon"?

Both "it depends on" and "it depends upon" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.