sense of dependency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of dependency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe a feeling of relying on another person or thing for support. For example, "My son has a strong sense of dependency on his older brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

By putting his loved ones in danger he hopes to reawaken their sense of dependency.

The Guardian - Books

"There's something about the whole connotation of 'mother' that has a sense of dependency for me.

The Guardian

You know, the name itself implies some sense of dependency on the part of these folks.

The New York Times

The demands for help and the accompanying sense of dependency seem bottomless.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sense of dependency between Othello and Iago which Shaw traces in an illuminating programme note is apparent in the production.

The Guardian

Is this leadership mystique merely a holdover from our childhood from a sense of dependency and a longing for good and heroic parents?

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

According to the biographer and human-rights journalist Caroline Moorehead, whose reconstruction of their story is by turns heartbreaking and inspiring, it was the group's sense of "mutual dependency" that made "the difference between living and dying".

The New York Times - Books

This instills a sense of confidence, dependency and innovation with each other as we learn more through each process.

Huffington Post

This reciprocity was variously attributed to the effects of the genuine affection experienced and demonstrated by PSWs, their sense of residents' dependency, as well as the stark contrast to PSW care suggested by absent blood relatives: And I think we are, we are family to them.

The Gerontologist

Mr Romney believes there is a sense of victimhood and dependency amongst the non-payers.

The Economist

It's like it has more to do with our sense of preparation and dependency, rather than legitimately expecting God is going to favor one side over the other".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In psychological contexts, explore how a "sense of dependency" might affect individual autonomy and self-esteem.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of dependency" when you actually mean interdependence. Dependency implies a one-sided reliance, while interdependence signifies a mutual reliance and reciprocal relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of dependency" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically describes a state or feeling of needing support or reliance on someone or something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of dependency" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a state or feeling of reliance on others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English. The analysis of various sources reveals that it frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, it often carries connotations of either a healthy reliance or a potentially problematic over-reliance. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether interdependence might be a more accurate description, especially when highlighting mutual reliance. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use the phrase to analyze social, economic, and psychological issues, highlighting its versatility in formal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of dependence

Is a variant of the main query, focusing on the emotional aspect.

feeling of reliance

Focuses on the emotional aspect of depending on someone or something.

state of dependence

Emphasizes the condition of needing support.

reliance on others

Highlights the act of depending on other people.

need for support

Focuses on the requirement for assistance.

need for assistance

Focuses on the requirement for assistance.

inclination to rely

Describes a tendency to depend on something.

tendency to depend

Highlights the inclination to rely on others.

reliance on aid

Highlights the reliance on external assistance.

vulnerable position

Focuses on the weakness resulting from dependency.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of dependency" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of dependency" to describe a feeling of needing support from others, as in "The program fostered a "sense of dependency" among its participants".

What is an alternative to using "sense of dependency"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "feeling of reliance", "state of dependence", or "need for support".

Is "sense of dependency" a negative term?

"Sense of dependency" can be negative when it implies over-reliance or a lack of autonomy. However, it can also describe a healthy reliance in certain relationships.

What's the difference between "sense of dependency" and "sense of interdependence"?

"Sense of dependency" implies a one-sided reliance, while "sense of interdependence" suggests a mutual and reciprocal reliance between parties.