that hinges on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that hinges on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is dependent or contingent upon another factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project hinges on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer is simple: a low-scoring game that hinges on one or two big plays.

The New York Times

The board would have to present evidence to make its case — one that hinges on people who splash in the water and hog towels.

The New York Times

It's not a bad strategy, especially for a relatively small-market team like Indiana, but it is one that hinges on health.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's a great ending, one that hinges on the mystery of looking deep into Dakota Johnson's eyes and attempting to read her thoughts and predict her future.

The Guardian - Film

The Encyclopedia of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, for example, defines Holocaust denial as "a new form of anti-Semitism, but one that hinges on age-old motifs".

Wikipedia

The Supreme Court has just agreed to hear another case that hinges on standards of scientific evidence (this one involves tyre safety).

The Economist

The title of "1Q84" is a joke: an Orwell reference that hinges on a multilingual pun.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has also devised a plot that hinges on fictitious acts of scientific sabotage.

The New York Times - Books

So why have I chosen a career that hinges on something I am terrible at?

The Guardian

But I'm probably biased, because there's a whole scene that hinges on astronaut poop.

The Washington Post

Even as Smith chose to think positively, he could not escape a future that hinges on his team's next game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that hinges on", ensure that the dependent clause is clearly defined. This makes the relationship between the elements unmistakable.

Common error

Avoid using "that hinges on" with an unclear antecedent. Always ensure 'that' clearly refers to a specific noun or concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that hinges on" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a condition or determining factor. It connects a previous statement or situation to a specific condition upon which its outcome or validity depends. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase emphasizes the crucial nature of that condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that hinges on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is dependent on a specific condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in referencing the antecedent and consider more formal alternatives like "that is contingent on" for academic or professional settings. Understanding its function and communicative purpose will enhance your writing by allowing you to effectively convey conditionality and emphasize critical factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that depends on

Emphasizes conditionality and uncertainty; a direct synonym.

that relies on

Highlights dependence and reliance on something for support or success.

that is dependent on

Similar to 'relies on' but may imply a weaker form of reliance.

that is conditional on

Formal and explicit about the conditional nature of the situation.

that is contingent on

Similar to 'conditional' but often used in more complex or formal contexts.

that turns on

Suggests a critical point or factor that determines the outcome.

that is predicated on

Formal and implies a necessary foundation or assumption.

that is based on

Emphasizes the foundation or basis upon which something is built or decided.

that is subject to

Indicates that something is under the control or influence of another factor.

that is determined by

Focuses on the factor that has the power to decide the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "that hinges on" in a sentence?

Use "that hinges on" to indicate that an outcome or result is dependent on a particular factor. For example: "The success of the mission "that hinges on" good weather conditions."

What's a more formal alternative to "that hinges on"?

A more formal alternative is "that is contingent on". This phrase is suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it correct to say 'that hinges of' instead of "that hinges on"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "hinges" in this context is "on". Saying 'that hinges of' is grammatically incorrect.

How does "that hinges on" differ from "that depends on"?

While both phrases indicate dependence, "that hinges on" suggests a more critical and pivotal relationship. "that depends on" is a more general statement of conditionality.