it only depends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only depends" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is contingent upon a specific factor or condition. Example: "The outcome of the project is uncertain; it only depends on the team's effort and collaboration."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is a creative force that produces independent living things, the life of which does not need any external mechanism to keep its autonomy, for it only depends on its inner, natural power to live.

SEP

This algorithm does not require any previous qualitative analysis of the FT. Indeed, its efficiency is independent of the FT logic, and it only depends on the number n of basic system components and on their failure probabilities.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

For low loss DRs it only depends on η1/η2.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

It only depends on the mass distribution of the object that is causing space to be curved.

Cornell University

If it only depends on sigma, then if it converges for one value of sigma I'm sorry, for a value of sigma for some value of omega, then it will converge for that same sigma for any value of omega.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This results in a sensor that requires neither a wavelength-sensitive detector nor a monochromatic source of illumination, and is robust to changes in temperature, because it only depends on the relative changes in the microcavities.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It depends not only on money but the quality you have – if it only depended on money then Porto wouldn't have played Monaco in the 2004 final".

The Guardian - Sport

He added that chances for settling the Ukrainian crisis would have been higher if it only depended on Russia and Europe.

The Guardian

If it only depended on us, we're happy with how we are in terms of fitness so we're going to run for 90 minutes and set a high tempo".

Independent

It depends not only on money but the quality you have – if it only depended on money then Porto wouldn't have played Monaco in the 2004 final". Seifert also points to German football's success in producing its own players.

The Guardian - Sport

Speaking in televised remarks on Saturday, Sergei Lavrov said that "our American colleagues still prefer to push the Ukrainian leadership toward a confrontational path". He added that chances for settling the Ukrainian crisis would have been higher if it only depended on Russia and Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider using stronger and more precise alternatives like "it is contingent on" or "it is determined by" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "it only depends" in formal writing because it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Opt for more standard alternatives like "it depends" or "it is dependent on" for a more polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only depends" functions as a clause expressing conditionality or reliance. It indicates that an outcome or situation is contingent on a specific factor. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it only depends" is used to express that an outcome is conditional on a specific factor. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. While examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage across diverse fields like science, academia, and news media, more grammatically sound alternatives are available. For formal writing, replacing "it only depends" with alternatives such as "it is contingent on" or "it is determined by" will improve clarity and precision. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of the context and audience when choosing this phrase, and to consider stronger alternatives for enhanced grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it relies exclusively on

Reinforces sole dependence, clarifying that no other factors are involved.

it is solely reliant on

Emphasizes exclusive reliance, replacing 'depends' with 'reliant'.

it is contingent on

Highlights conditionality, shifting from direct dependence to a conditional relationship.

it hinges upon

Implies a critical point of dependence, suggesting a pivotal factor.

it is subject to

Indicates susceptibility to influence or change based on something else.

it is determined by

Focuses on the aspect of being controlled or decided by a specific element.

it is conditional upon

Stresses the requirement of a condition being met.

it is governed by

Suggests a rule or principle dictates the outcome.

it rests on

Highlights the foundation or basis upon which something relies.

it's all down to

Expresses that the final result depends especially or entirely on that particular thing

FAQs

What's a grammatically correct way to express that something is reliant on a single factor?

Instead of "it only depends", use phrases like "it "solely relies" on", "it is contingent upon", or "it is determined by".

How can I make my writing sound more formal when indicating dependence?

Replace "it only depends" with options such as "it is "conditional upon"", "it hinges upon", or "it is governed by".

What are some common synonyms for "it only depends" that emphasize conditionality?

Consider using alternatives like "it is "subject to"", "it rests on", or "it's all down to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it only depends" considered grammatically correct in formal English?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "it only depends" is not correct in standard written English. It's advisable to use more grammatically sound alternatives in formal contexts.