it still depends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it still depends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where the outcome or decision is contingent on certain factors or conditions. Example: "While we have made progress on the project, it still depends on the approval from the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The philosopher, moreover, forgets that his philosophy has a history as well; that its past is shrouded in a faith on which it still depends for the meaning of its abstract conceptions.

SEP

But it still depends on you for its existence.

SEP

The foundation recently received its first endowment of $5 million from the estate of Paul Mellon, but it still depends on scratch bettors and horse lovers to pay the feed bills.

The New York Times

But it still depends who you ask.

The New York Times

It still depends on whose jaws have the final say.

Independent

I can think I can win the Tour but it still depends on their plans.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

In a largely symbolic move, WPP set Oct. 15 as a secondary closing date for the deal and said it still depended on several conditions, including regulatory approval.

The New York Times

From February to November 1924, Sun and his colleagues had some success in making the KMT's influence felt nationally; they also consolidated the Guangzhou base, although it still depended on mercenary armies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Easyjet is making it easier still, depending on where it flies the two new aircraft coming to Edinburgh Airport (announced today) that will add to the five already there.

BBC

Being on Bake Off does give them a terrific platform but, beyond those first-week sales, it does still depend on the quality and the book has to speak for itself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By closure we mean that INMEGEN, being such a young institution, it may still depend, to a degree, on external collaborators.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it still depends" to introduce conditions or factors that influence a particular outcome or decision. This clarifies that the situation is not yet final and requires further assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "it still depends" without providing context on what the outcome depends on. Vague statements can confuse the reader and diminish the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it still depends" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the sentence to indicate a condition or contingency. It signifies that the outcome is not yet determined and relies on certain factors. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it still depends" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that an outcome is conditional on specific factors. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to convey uncertainty across various contexts. Its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Be sure to specify what "it still depends" on for clarity. Common alternatives include phrases like "it remains conditional" and "it hinges on". Its high frequency in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains conditional

Focuses on the conditional nature of the situation.

it is contingent upon

Highlights the dependency on specific circumstances.

it hinges on

Emphasizes the critical factor that determines the result.

it is subject to

Suggests that the situation is vulnerable to change based on external conditions.

it is all relative

Indicates that the outcome is not absolute and varies based on perspective.

it is circumstantial

Highlights that the situation is heavily influenced by the surrounding circumstances.

it's all in the details

Focuses on the importance of specific details for the final result.

the devil is in the details

Similar to 'it's all in the details' with more negative connotation.

the outcome is uncertain

Highlights the lack of a definitive result.

everything is subject to change

Emphasizes the potential for alterations in the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "it still depends" to show that a result or decision is not yet certain and relies on specific conditions. For example, "Whether the project succeeds, "it still depends" on securing additional funding."

What are some alternatives to saying "it still depends"?

You can use phrases like "it remains conditional", "it is contingent upon", or "it hinges on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it depends still" instead of "it still depends"?

While the meaning might be understood, "it still depends" is the more common and grammatically preferred way to express the idea. The alternative sounds less natural.

What factors influence the use of "it still depends" in formal writing?

In formal writing, ensure that when you use ""it still depends"", you clearly state the factors or conditions on which the outcome relies to maintain clarity and precision.