this depends on

USAGE SUMMARY

"this depends on" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when referring to a situation that is contingent upon something else. For example: "Whether I go to the party or not this weekend depends on how much work I have to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This depends on how fast things progress.

WikiHow

This depends on three factors.

The Economist

This depends on your employment contract.

Independent

This depends on the concentration of solutes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In turn, this depends on growth expectations.

The Economist

However, this depends on the course.

Independent

Decorations: This depends on electricity.

The New York Times

This depends on the individual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This depends on your needs.

Cornell University

But this depends on the distance.

The Guardian

All this depends on demand, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this depends on" to clearly state that a particular outcome or decision is conditional upon specific circumstances or factors. Ensure the subsequent explanation clearly outlines what those circumstances are.

Common error

Avoid using "this depends on" without specifying what it depends on. Be specific to avoid ambiguity and ensure the reader understands the conditional relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this depends on" functions as a connector indicating conditionality or contingency. It introduces the factors that influence a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this depends on" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express conditionality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to formal writing. Usage patterns reveal its prominence in news, media, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify exactly what the outcome depends on, avoiding vagueness. Consider alternatives like "this hinges on" or "this relies on" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "this depends on" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this hinges on

Replaces "depends" with "hinges", emphasizing that the outcome is contingent upon a single, crucial factor. Semantic similarity is high.

this relies on

Substitutes "depends" with "relies", indicating that the outcome is contingent on something providing support or assistance. Semantic similarity is high.

this is contingent on

Replaces "depends" with the more formal phrase "is contingent", emphasizing the conditional nature of the situation. Semantic similarity is high.

this is conditional on

Similar to "contingent on", this alternative uses "conditional", highlighting that something will only occur if certain conditions are met. Semantic similarity is high.

this is subject to

Indicates that the outcome is influenced or controlled by something else, implying a degree of uncertainty. Semantic similarity is moderate.

it is determined by

Shifts the focus to the determining factor, implying that the outcome is directly caused by something. Semantic similarity is moderate.

it is a function of

Emphasizes a mathematical or logical relationship where the outcome varies according to the input. Semantic similarity is moderate, most suitable for formal contexts.

the outcome depends on

Adds explicit mention of the "outcome" to the phrase, for extra clarity. Slightly more verbose.

the result is based on

Emphasizes that a result is derived or predicated on something, often implying a logical or inferential link. Semantic similarity is moderate.

it is all down to

An informal alternative suggesting the final result is entirely determined by the specified factor. Semantic similarity is lower due to informality.

FAQs

How can I use "this depends on" in a sentence?

You can use "this depends on" to indicate that a situation's outcome is conditional. For example, "Whether we go to the beach "this depends on" the weather."

What's a more formal way to say "this depends on"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "this is contingent on" or "this relies on".

Is it ever wrong to use "this depends on"?

While grammatically correct, using "this depends on" can be vague if you don't clarify what the situation depends on. Always provide context for clarity.

What can I say instead of "this depends on" to sound less repetitive?

To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "it is determined by", "it is a function of", or "the result is based on depending on the context".