it hinged on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hinged on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is dependent or determined by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project hinged on securing adequate funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

His conviction was a surprise, partly because it came six months after his first trial was declared a mistrial because the jury could not reach a verdict, and partly because it hinged on just one e-mail, in which Mr Quattrone ordered staff to "clean up" their files.

The Economist

Yahoo put a lot of effort and investment toward presenting a new Yahoo to the world in 2013, with much of it hinged on improving its mobile business.

TechCrunch

It hinged on a lot of desolation".

The New York Times

With no material evidence or eyewitnesses, it hinged on Aron's credibility.

The New Yorker

It hinged on the very values that had led up to that point.

The Guardian - Opinion

It hinged on the fact that Jane and her sister, Cassandra, shared a bed.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"If it hinges on one vote," Mr. Traficant said, "they better get me convicted because I will vote for Hastert.

The New York Times

It hinges on one key point: these services are provided to people who are silenced and voiceless.

The Guardian

It hinges on itself.

The New York Times

It hinges on an impetuous vow.

The New Yorker

It hinges on a Jimmy Stewart character.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "it depended on" or "it relied on" if you want to express a similar idea with simpler language.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it hinged on" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "it depended on" or "it all came down to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hinged on" functions as a connector within a sentence, indicating a relationship of dependence or conditionality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It emphasizes that the subject's outcome or success was fundamentally determined by the factor that follows. Examples in Ludwig illustrate various contexts where a decision or result was directly reliant on a single, key element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it hinged on" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression that emphasizes a crucial factor determining an outcome. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward formality and is frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, consider the context and desired level of formality – simpler alternatives like "it depended on" may be more appropriate in casual settings. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "it hinged on" to add clarity and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depended on

Replaces "hinged" with a more common synonym, focusing on the condition that influenced the outcome.

it relied on

Emphasizes the reliance on a specific factor for success or completion.

it was conditional on

Highlights the conditionality aspect, suggesting that something will only happen if a certain condition is met.

it was contingent upon

Similar to "conditional on", but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

it turned on

Indicates that the outcome or success was directly determined by a particular element.

it rested on

Implies that the foundation or basis of something was a specific factor.

it was predicated on

Suggests that something was based on a prior assumption or condition.

it was subject to

Highlights that something was under the influence or control of a particular factor.

the outcome was determined by

Directly states that a specific factor decided the result.

success was dependent upon

Specifically emphasizes the dependence of success on a certain aspect.

FAQs

What does "it hinged on" mean?

The phrase "it hinged on" means that something was dependent on or determined by a particular factor. The success or outcome was directly related to that condition.

How can I use "it hinged on" in a sentence?

You can use "it hinged on" to show that a specific factor was crucial for something to happen. For example, "The success of the mission "it hinged on" the weather conditions".

What can I say instead of "it hinged on"?

You can use alternatives like "it depended on", "it relied on", or "it turned on" depending on the context.

Is "it hinged on" formal or informal?

"It hinged on" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news articles, reports, and academic writing. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation.