this relies on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this relies on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is dependent on or requires another factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project relies on effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This relies on picture elements, or pixels, with three subunits, each responsible for one of the primary colours.

The Economist

This relies on investment and brains.

The Guardian

If this relies on lofty individuals, nothing will change.

The Guardian

All of this relies on interesting and knowledgeable letter-writers.

Independent

This relies on the assumption that older people are more likely to vote.

The Guardian

And even this relies on growth projections acknowledged to be higher than the consensus.

The Guardian - Business

The technology for this relies on magnetism, namely, magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI).

The Economist

But this relies on my being bothered to do that – and my not telling my daughter in the interim that we have tickets for both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thousands of reports do flow between the different agencies, but this relies on good will and efficiency in identifying and sharing the right intelligence.

The Guardian

All of this relies on the audience liking, or even loving, David Brent as much as they once did, on giving him as many chances as Gervais has.

The Guardian - Film

"I fundamentally believe in a better, fairer society for everybody and would love to see this happen over time – this relies on systemic change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this relies on", ensure that the dependency is clear and explicitly stated. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what exactly is essential for the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "this relies on" without clearly indicating what "this" refers to. Ensure the connection between the subject and the dependency is explicit to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this relies on" functions as a verb phrase indicating dependence or contingency. Ludwig AI data validates its proper usage to express that one thing is essential or conditional for another. For example, 'This relies on good will and efficiency'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this relies on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate dependence or conditionality. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it's commonly found in Science and News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "this depends on" exist, "this relies on" carries a slightly stronger emphasis on necessity. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the dependency is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this hinges on

Emphasizes that the outcome is very dependent and could easily change based on a single factor.

this depends on

A more direct and commonly used alternative to indicate conditionality.

this is contingent upon

A more formal way to express that something is dependent on specific conditions being met.

this is conditional on

Highlights that something will only occur if certain conditions are satisfied.

this is predicated on

Suggests that something is based on or assumes a particular foundation.

this is subject to

Indicates that something is susceptible to change or influence based on external factors.

this is based on

Focuses on the foundation or reasoning behind something, rather than a direct dependency.

this presupposes

Implies that something is assumed beforehand as a necessary condition.

this necessitates

Highlights that something is essential or required as a consequence.

this requires

A simple and direct way to state that something is needed.

FAQs

What does "this relies on" mean?

The phrase "this relies on" means that the success or existence of something is dependent on something else. It indicates a necessary condition or factor.

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

You can use "this relies on" to show a dependency. For example, "The project's success "this relies on" effective teamwork."

What can I say instead of "this relies on"?

You can use alternatives like "this depends on", "this hinges on", or "this is contingent upon" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this depends on" or "this relies on"?

Both "this depends on" and "this relies on" are correct, but "this depends on" is more common and generally more direct. "This relies on" can emphasize a stronger sense of necessity.