it hinges on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hinges on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is dependent on or determined by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project hinges on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

A close reading of the company's statement of support, however, suggests that it hinges on whether its own agenda is satisfied.

Huffington Post

It hinges on a single scene in the film, when its time-traveling protagonist, played by Owen Wilson, states: "The past is not dead.

The New York Times

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

"It hinges on what they do with the route.

The Guardian - Sport

It hinges on a couple of revelations that he experienced.

The New Yorker

It hinges on Security Council relations with the U.S., not with the less-developed world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Egeland told the Guardian: "It hinges on so little now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it hinges on", ensure the dependent relationship is clear and that the condition is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it hinges on" without clearly specifying what the outcome depends on. A vague statement diminishes the phrase's impact and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hinges on" functions as a pivotal connector, illustrating that a specific result or outcome is entirely conditional upon another factor. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Examples in Ludwig showcase its effective use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "it hinges on" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey that an outcome is critically dependent on a specific condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is very common, with high prevalence in news media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. Its effectiveness lies in its neutral tone and clear indication of causality. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: always ensure that the dependent relationship and the specific condition are explicitly defined to maintain precision and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "it depends on" and "it relies on", each providing subtle nuances in meaning. Despite its frequency and multiple use-cases avoid using it without a clear context to prevent the sentence from sounding ambiguous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on

Directly replaces the hinge metaphor with a dependence concept.

it relies on

Emphasizes reliance as the crucial factor.

it turns on

Implies a pivotal point or switch.

it is conditional on

Formal and explicitly states the condition.

it is contingent on

Highlights the uncertainty and dependence.

it is predicated on

Suggests a foundational dependence.

it is subject to

Indicates vulnerability to a condition.

it is determined by

Focuses on the factor that dictates the outcome.

the outcome rests on

Shifts the focus to the outcome's dependence.

success is linked to

Highlights the link between success and a condition.

FAQs

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

Use "it hinges on" to indicate that the outcome of something is entirely dependent on a specific condition or factor. For example, "The project's success it hinges on securing additional funding."

What are some alternatives to using "it hinges on"?

You can use alternatives like "it depends on", "it relies on", or "it turns on" to express a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is "it hinges on" formal or informal language?

"It hinges on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations, making it a versatile phrase.

What's the difference between "it hinges on" and "it depends on"?

While both phrases express conditionality, "it hinges on" implies a more critical and decisive dependency, suggesting that everything rests on that particular condition. "It depends on" is a more general expression of conditionality.