predicated on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predicated on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is based on or founded upon a particular idea, principle, or condition. Example: "The success of the project is predicated on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they are all predicated on one thing — speed.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's one that's especially predicated on pressure," Gilbride said.

The New York Times - Sports

Acting is predicated on imagination.

The New York Times

[It's] almost predicated on flattery.

The New Yorker

That confidence is predicated on two assumptions.

The Economist

"The show is so predicated on questions.

The New York Times - Arts

The whole organisation is predicated on winning.

Independent

"All of this wasn't predicated on Prop.

The New York Times

Martelly's Presidency has been predicated on rebuilding.

The New Yorker

Keys's approach is predicated on power.

The New Yorker

"UK legislation is predicated on them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predicated on", ensure that the relationship between the subject and the condition is clear. The sentence should explicitly state what depends on what.

Common error

Avoid using "predicated on" in sentences where the connection between the subject and the condition is ambiguous. Ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is dependent on what.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predicated on" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's existence, validity, or success is dependent upon a specified condition or foundation. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "predicated on" is a versatile expression indicating that something relies on a specific foundation, condition, or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and sees its frequent usage across diverse fields like news, science, and formal business communication. While alternatives such as "based on" or "dependent on" exist, "predicated on" often lends a more formal tone. Therefore, writers should be mindful of the context and ensure a clear subject-condition relationship to effectively convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on

Indicates a foundation or support, similar to "predicated on", but slightly less formal.

dependent on

Highlights the reliance on something else for existence or validity, similar to "predicated on".

contingent on

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the relationship; the outcome is subject to something else.

reliant on

Stresses the dependence on a specific factor or resource.

grounded in

Suggests a firm foundation or origin in something.

founded on

Similar to "based on", but often implies a more deliberate or formal establishment.

hinges on

Emphasizes that the outcome entirely depends on a single critical factor.

resting on

Indicates that something relies on a particular basis or assumption.

conditional upon

Highlights a specific requirement that must be met.

subject to

Indicates vulnerability to or dependence on a particular condition.

FAQs

How can I use "predicated on" in a sentence?

Use "predicated on" to show that something is based on a specific condition or assumption. For example, "The project's success is predicated on securing sufficient funding."

What are some alternatives to "predicated on"?

You can use alternatives like "based on", "dependent on", or "contingent on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use "predicated on"?

While not overly formal, "predicated on" is more suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts compared to casual conversations. Alternatives like "based on" might be preferable in informal settings.

What's the difference between "predicated on" and "premised on"?

"Predicated on" emphasizes a necessary condition or basis, while "premised on" indicates an assumption or supposition that something is true. Both terms suggest a foundation, but the nature of that foundation differs slightly.