that depends

USAGE SUMMARY

"that depends" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a response to a question when you are uncertain or do not know the answer. For example: Q: "Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?" A: "That depends - do you want to go somewhere fancy or just grab a quick bite?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As ever, the answer is "that depends".

BBC

EMMOTT: I think that depends on Rome.

Forbes

On your body, that depends.

WikiHow

Play games that depends on remembering.

WikiHow

Well, that depends.

The New York Times

H.S. That depends.

The New York Times

BOY: That depends.

The New Yorker

"How many?" "That depends".

The New Yorker

That depends on its terms.

The Economist

That depends on your lifestyle.

Independent

That depends who you ask.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that depends" when you want to provide a nuanced answer, acknowledging that the outcome or response is conditional on specific factors or circumstances. This adds precision and honesty to your communication.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "that depends" without providing context or specifying the factors it depends on. This can come across as vague or evasive. Always follow up with a brief explanation to clarify your position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that depends" serves as a qualifier, indicating that the truth or validity of a statement is conditional. It functions to acknowledge that a situation's outcome is not definite but contingent on specific circumstances. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase implies a need for further information or specification to provide a complete answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that depends" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that expresses conditionality or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable across numerous contexts. It functions as a qualifier and serves the communicative purpose of acknowledging that the answer to a question relies on specific conditions or circumstances. While generally neutral in tone, "that depends" is particularly common in news and media sources, as well as academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure to provide context or specify the factors on which the answer depends to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is contingent upon

Implies that something will only occur if certain conditions are met.

it hinges on

Suggests that the result is heavily influenced by a specific factor.

it is conditional

Expresses that something is not definite and relies on a condition.

it's subject to

Implies that something is liable to be affected by something else.

it is circumstantial

Highlights that the outcome varies based on the circumstances.

it varies

Indicates a range of possible outcomes based on changing factors.

it all boils down to

Indicates that the core of something depends on a single crucial point.

the result is variable

Highlights the potential for different outcomes.

the answer is not straightforward

Suggests that there is no clear or simple solution.

it's hard to say

Expresses uncertainty or lack of definitive knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "that depends" in a sentence?

"That depends" is typically used as a response to a question when the answer is not straightforward and relies on specific circumstances. For example, if someone asks "Is the project going to be completed on time?", you might respond, "That depends on whether we receive the necessary resources."

What are some alternatives to "that depends"?

Alternatives to "that depends" include phrases like "it hinges on", "it varies", or "it is contingent upon". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "that depends"?

It is appropriate to use "that depends" when the answer to a question relies on specific conditions or factors. It's a way of acknowledging that there isn't a simple yes or no answer and that more information is needed to provide a complete response.

Is "that depends" considered formal or informal language?

"That depends" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, you may opt for a more elaborate phrase such as "it is conditional" or "it is circumstantial".