may depend

USAGE SUMMARY

'may depend' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest that the outcome of a situation is uncertain and could go either way. For example: "How much money we have left after shopping at the mall may depend on how much we actually buy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That may depend on perspective.

The New York Times - Sports

A dynasty may depend on it.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer may depend on maturity.

The Economist

Their personal privacy may depend on it.

The New York Times

Their lives may depend on achieving harmony.

Independent

All our futures may depend on it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much may depend on how Henin serves.

The Guardian - Sport

Reconciliation may depend on Mr. Karzai.

The New York Times

But success may depend on other factors.

The New York Times

It may depend on their lawyers.

The New York Times

Much may depend on all this.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, follow "may depend" with "on" and the factor that influences the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "may depend" when the outcome is already known or heavily implied. This can weaken your writing and create unnecessary ambiguity. If certainty exists, use direct statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may depend" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating possibility and conditionality. It suggests that the truth or occurrence of something is contingent upon certain factors. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used to express an uncertain outcome based on various circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may depend" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility, conditionality, and uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using "may depend", it's crucial to acknowledge the multiple factors that could influence the outcome while avoiding overuse in definitive statements. Alternatives like "could hinge on" or "is conditional on" can provide nuanced variations. The extensive examples and authoritative sources underscore its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is conditional on

This highlights that something will only occur if a specific condition is met.

could hinge on

This alternative suggests that the outcome is heavily reliant on a specific factor.

turns on

This implies the outcome depends on a key element.

might be contingent upon

This formal option emphasizes the conditional nature of the situation.

is reliant on

Shows a dependence on something for success or existence.

is subject to

Implies that something is controlled or affected by another factor.

is determined by

Suggests that a specific factor will definitively decide the outcome.

is affected by

Indicates that something changes as a result of another factor.

is influenced by

This indicates that a factor has an effect, but not necessarily a decisive one.

is a function of

This more technical phrase suggests a mathematical or logical relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "may depend" in a sentence?

Use "may depend" to indicate that an outcome is conditional. For example: "The success of the project "may depend on" the team's collaboration."

What are some alternatives to using "may depend"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "could hinge on", "might be contingent upon", or "is conditional on", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "may depends" instead of "may depend"?

No, "may depends" is grammatically incorrect. "May" is a modal verb that does not change form based on the subject. The correct form is always "may depend".

What's the difference between "may depend on" and "depends on"?

"May depend on" indicates a possibility or uncertainty, while "depends on" states a direct relationship. For example, "The result "may depend on" the weather" suggests uncertainty, whereas "The result depends on the weather" implies a more definitive connection.