relies on when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relies on when" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a dependence on a specific time or condition, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The success of the project relies on when we receive the necessary funding."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The one thing Luis relies on when signing a new act is his sure-fire ears.

The Guardian - Music

THERE'S a line David Letterman relies on when he's telling the audience (sarcastically or for real) how great that night's show is going to be.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the review looked at "the systems, processes and procedures" Andersen relies on when faced with situations like those at Enron, he said.

The New York Times

In a May 27 editorial ("Check It Again"), you discussed the accuracy of data the Federal Bureau of Investigation relies on when doing criminal records checks.

The New York Times

Just remember that your release cycle relies on when you can deliver a quality product, not on when your customer wants it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

LAS VEGAS — Being single, Alyson Sheradin had no one to rely on when the financial crisis hit.

The New York Times

"They'll be the ones people rely on when disaster strikes, and if they don't have the training, they can't take care of our pets," said Sarah Nickerson, program coordinator.

Cornell University

The federal credit is the big one and one that manufacturers could rely on when juggling pricing, trim and other factors.

TechCrunch

Instead, there is a general consensus that families with defectors have a reliable financial support system to rely on when times get tough," one explained.

The Guardian

However, regarding sickness absence general consistency in the self-reporting can be relied on when recall is required within one month [ 37, 38].

BMC Health Services Research

That is the idea many readers rely on when they characterize the scientific method as one that features independently available evidence as the neutral arbiter of disputes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates the element that is relying on the specified timing or condition to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "relies on when" without clearly specifying what is relying on the timing. Ambiguity can confuse readers; instead, use clearer constructs like "depends on the timing of" followed by a specific explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relies on when" functions as a relative clause introducing a condition based on time. While seemingly straightforward, Ludwig AI analysis shows that the structure can lead to awkward phrasing, suggesting that more precise alternatives should be considered to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relies on when" presents grammatical challenges despite its presence in various sources. According to Ludwig AI, while the phrase aims to specify a temporal condition, it often results in awkward and unclear sentences. More precise alternatives, such as "depends on the timing of" or "is contingent upon when", can enhance clarity and ensure grammatical correctness. These alternatives can better convey the intended meaning, especially in formal or professional contexts. By opting for these stronger options, writers can avoid ambiguity and improve their overall communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on the timing of

This alternative emphasizes the temporal aspect of reliance, focusing on the specific time an event occurs.

is contingent upon when

This phrase highlights the conditional aspect, indicating that something is dependent on a particular time or event.

is subject to when

This option suggests that something is influenced or controlled by the timing of an event.

is determined by when

This phrase focuses on how the timing of an event dictates or decides the outcome of something else.

is affected by the time that

This alternative clarifies that the timing of an event has an impact on something else.

hinges on when

This option conveys that something crucial depends on the timing of a specific event.

is dependent on the time that

This phrase indicates that reliance is directly linked to a specific moment or period.

is based on the timing of

This alternative highlights that the foundation or basis of something is the time at which an event occurs.

is conditional on the moment that

This option emphasizes the reliance on a precise instant or point in time.

is timed to coincide with

This phrase suggests that something is deliberately planned to align with the timing of another event.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "relies on when"?

You can use alternatives like "depends on the timing of", "is contingent upon when", or "hinges on when" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "relies on when"?

While "relies on when" appears in some sources, it is often considered grammatically awkward. Clearer phrasing usually improves the sentence's meaning and impact. For example, better phrasing could be "depends on when".

How to use "relies on when" in a sentence more effectively?

To use the concept of "relies on when" effectively, specify precisely what is dependent on the timing and why. However, consider replacing it with alternatives like "is subject to when" for improved clarity.

What's the difference between "relies on when" and "depends on when"?

While both phrases suggest dependence, "depends on when" is generally clearer and more grammatically accepted than "relies on when". Using "depends on when" often results in a more direct and understandable sentence.