we depend on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we depend on' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you or a group of people rely on or need something for your situation, plans, or activities. For example, "We depend on external donations to fund our charity activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As human beings we depend on one another.

Yale University

Sometimes we depend on one meal per day".

Huffington Post

"We depend on tourism".

The New York Times

Now we depend on relief".

Independent

We depend on them.

The Guardian - Film

We depend on him".

The New York Times - Sports

We depend on it.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the end, we depend on luck.

The New York Times

Can we depend on teachers to teach?

The New York Times

"We depend on divine providence.

The New York Times

"And we depend on tourism".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we depend on", ensure that the subject clearly indicates who is relying on something. For instance, "We depend on donations" clearly states that the entity relying on donations is 'we'.

Common error

Avoid using "we depend on" when a weaker term like 'rely on' or 'consider' is more appropriate. Overstating the level of dependency can weaken your argument or misrepresent the actual situation.

Linguistic Context

"We depend on" functions as a verb phrase expressing reliance or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it connects a subject (we) to an object or action (what is relied upon).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we depend on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express reliance or necessity. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence across diverse contexts, ranging from news media and formal business communications to academic and scientific writing. This phrase is generally appropriate for neutral to professional registers, conveying a clear message of dependency. When writing, ensure the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined and the level of dependency accurately reflects the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we rely upon

Uses a more formal synonym for 'depend'.

we count on

Suggests confidence in the reliability of something.

we lean on

Implies seeking support or assistance.

we bank on

Indicates a strong expectation or certainty.

we are contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of reliance.

we are sustained by

Focuses on the supporting or maintaining aspect.

we draw from

Emphasizes obtaining something from a source.

we place our trust in

Highlights the element of trust and confidence.

our survival hinges on

Stresses the critical importance of something for survival.

we put faith in

Emphasizes reliance based on belief.

FAQs

How can I use "we depend on" in a sentence?

You can use "we depend on" to indicate reliance or necessity. For example, "We depend on solar energy to power our homes" shows that solar energy is essential for powering homes.

What are some alternatives to "we depend on"?

You can use alternatives like "we rely upon", "we count on", or "we lean on" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "we rely on" or "we depend on"?

While both are acceptable, "we rely upon" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "we depend on".

What's the difference between "we depend on" and "we thrive on"?

"We depend on" indicates a need or reliance for something to function or exist, while "we thrive on" suggests that something helps us to flourish or prosper.