very dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

"very dependent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that relies heavily on something else or has a great need for something. For example, "He was very dependent on his parents for financial support throughout college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These people are still very dependent, and there has to be someone there who is dependable".

The New York Times

It's very dependent on particular areas.

The New York Times - Science

I was very dependent on it.

Independent

Thomas had been very dependent on Dench, Nunn told me.

The New Yorker

Schools are very dependent on their catchment area.

The Guardian

"I have friends who are very dependent on Medicare".

The New Yorker

"It is very dependent on deer, sometimes exclusively on deer.

The New York Times

Gas production is also very dependent upon temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The effect is very dependent on how hard you exercise.

The New York Times - Health

We are very dependent and there is huge demand in Europe for it.

The Guardian

She is a shy person, very generous, kind and loving, but very dependent on me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very dependent" to clearly express a strong reliance on something, ensuring the context makes the nature of the dependence clear.

Common error

Avoid using "very dependent" when a milder term like "somewhat reliant" or "partially dependent" more accurately reflects the actual relationship. Using "very dependent" can exaggerate the degree of reliance and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very dependent" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a strong state of reliance or need. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very dependent" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong reliance or need, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to emphasize the degree to which something relies on something else. While alternatives like "highly reliant" or "heavily dependent" exist, "very dependent" provides a clear and straightforward way to communicate this concept. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes the nature of the dependence clear and that the strength of the dependence is accurately represented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavily reliant

Emphasizes the significant degree of reliance.

highly reliant

Similar to heavily reliant, indicating a strong dependence.

extremely reliant

Suggests a reliance that is at the highest level.

strongly reliant

Highlights the strength of the dependence.

largely dependent

Indicates that dependence is a major factor.

substantially dependent

Suggests a considerable degree of dependence.

primarily dependent

Indicates that the dependence is the main or most important factor.

completely dependent

Emphasizes the total reliance on something or someone.

critically dependent

Implies that the dependence is essential and vital.

excessively dependent

Suggests a dependence that is more than necessary or appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "very dependent" in a sentence?

You can use "very dependent" to describe a person, thing, or system that relies heavily on something else. For example: "The project is "very dependent" on external funding".

What are some alternatives to "very dependent"?

Alternatives include "highly reliant", "heavily dependent", or "strongly reliant". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very dependent" or "highly dependent"?

Both "very dependent" and "highly dependent" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Highly dependent" may sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

What's the difference between "dependent" and "very dependent"?

"Dependent" indicates a reliance on something, while "very dependent" emphasizes the degree of that reliance, suggesting it's a significant or crucial dependence.