that would depend on

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "that would depend on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone asks you a question to which the answer is dependent on something else. For example: Q: Should I wear a coat? A: That would depend on the weather.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As for reprints in the future, that would depend on Murugan's decision, he said.

The Guardian - Books

And, he added, that would depend on whether the lawyers could reach agreement.

The New York Times

Ah, that would depend on "the best recommendation of our military commanders": in his first 100 days there would be "a full inter-agency review".

The Economist

"In the short run, that would depend on transfers and subsidies to the Scottish government from the rest of the UK.

BBC

Multinationals could then optimize their taxes according to these rankings that would depend on the effectiveness of the local taxes.

Huffington Post

When our Founding Fathers penned the words, "in order to form a more perfect union," they laid a framework for democracy that would depend on an active citizenry.

Huffington Post

This requires sensitivity, tact and diplomacy that would depend on the particular context.

Health Research Policy and Systems

However, no clear conformational preference could be found for either C B or C C that would depend on the substituents.

Chemistry - A European Journal

It could be asked, "Was Jesus loving his enemies in doing this?" Well that would depend on what your definition of love is.

WikiHow

When she wondered aloud about what name they might give a son or daughter, he jumped in, saying that would depend on one question.

The New York Times

Corrigan said that "would depend on future council decisions, but I for one certainly hope so".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that would depend on", follow up with a clear explanation of the factors influencing the outcome. This ensures clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "that would depend on" in your writing. While useful, relying on it too frequently can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by opting for phrases like "it hinges on" or "it's contingent upon" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would depend on" functions as a conditional connector, linking a statement or question to the conditions that determine its outcome. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that would depend on" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express conditionality. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While highly common, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "that is contingent upon" in professional writing. By understanding its function and potential variations, you can effectively use "that would depend on" to convey nuanced meaning in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that hinges on

Emphasizes that something is entirely reliant on a single, crucial element.

that's contingent upon

Highlights the dependence on a specific event or condition occurring.

it's conditional on

Directly states the dependence on a particular condition.

it's subject to

Indicates that something is open to change based on external factors.

it's determined by

Focuses on the factors that dictate the outcome.

that is reliant on

Stresses the reliance on something for success or continuation.

that's dictated by

Suggests that something is strictly controlled by specific parameters.

that turns on

Indicates that the result depends on a particular point or factor.

it rests on

Implies that the issue is supported by or founded on a particular element.

it's a function of

Shows a mathematical or direct relationship where one thing changes in response to another.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that would depend on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "that is contingent upon" or "that is subject to". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

What does "that would depend on" mean?

The phrase "that would depend on" indicates that the answer to a question is not straightforward and relies on specific circumstances or conditions. It suggests the outcome is variable and influenced by external factors.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that would depend on"?

Yes, the phrase "that would depend on" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

What are some less common synonyms for "that would depend on"?

Less common alternatives include "that turns on", "it rests on", or "it's a function of". These phrases can add variety to your language but may not be suitable for all contexts.