was dependent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was dependent on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is contingent on something else. For example, "The success of the project was dependent on everyone's cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Animal grouping was dependent on genotype.

Nature

He was dependent on alcohol, and he was dependent on work.

The New Yorker

Their success was dependent on maintaining this image.

The Guardian - Film

His success was dependent on his articulation of self-pity.

The New Yorker

"The club was dependent on holdovers from the Soviet era".

The New York Times - Sports

Athens was dependent on grain imports throughout the Classical Period.

Princeton University

Initially, America Online was dependent on outside publishers for content.

The New York Times

Their renewal was dependent on the economic climate.

The Guardian

Reduction of flow stress was dependent on grain size.

Ultrasonics

The extent of change was dependent on the UHMWPE material.

Biomaterials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were dependent on no one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was dependent on" to clearly indicate a cause-and-effect relationship or reliance between two elements. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about the nature of the dependence.

Common error

Avoid using "was dependent on" when the relationship is merely correlational or suggestive. Ensure a genuine dependency exists, where one element directly relies on the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was dependent on" functions as a linking verb phrase connecting a subject to a predicate adjective phrase describing a state of reliance. This usage aligns with Ludwig's analysis, which confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was dependent on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate reliance or contingency. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across varied contexts, including science, news, and academia. While "depended on" offers a more concise alternative, "was dependent on" adds a degree of formality. Remember to use it when you want to establish that one element directly relies on another, and avoid it in cases of mere correlation. With numerous examples and authoritative sources, "was dependent on" is a solid choice for expressing reliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depended on

A more concise version using the verb "depended".

was contingent on

Replaces "dependent" with a synonym, "contingent", maintaining the same structure.

was conditional upon

Emphasizes that something happened only if a condition was met.

relied upon

This phrase uses a different verb to convey the sense of reliance.

rested on

Indicates that something's stability or success relied on something else.

hinged on

This alternative suggests that something crucial turned on a specific factor.

was determined by

Highlights that something was decided or controlled by a specific element.

was subject to

Suggests that something was influenced or determined by another factor.

was influenced by

Implies that something was affected or shaped by another factor.

turned on

A more informal way of saying something's outcome depended on something else.

FAQs

How can I use "was dependent on" in a sentence?

Use "was dependent on" to show that one thing relied on another. For example, "The project's success "was dependent on" securing adequate funding."

What are some alternatives to "was dependent on"?

You can use alternatives such as "relied upon", "hinged on", or "was contingent on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "depended on" or "was dependent on"?

"Depended on" is a more concise option, while "was dependent on" provides a slightly more formal and emphatic tone. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "was dependent on" and "was influenced by"?

"Was dependent on" implies a direct reliance, where one thing cannot function without the other. "Was influenced by" suggests a more indirect effect, where one thing affects the other without necessarily being essential to its function.