we depended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we depended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express reliance on someone or something in the past. Example: "In our early days, we depended on our friends for support and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So we depended on the sisters' opinions".

The New York Times

We depended on revenues from patients.

The New York Times

We depended on Social Security benefits to survive".

The Guardian

In the past we depended completely on maize.

The Guardian

"If we depended on them to get anything done, nothing would get done".

The New York Times

"If we depended on shelf items, we'd be just another me-too," said Stanley Poll.

The New York Times - Food

"We depended upon the accuracy of the financial statements they gave us," he said.

The New York Times

We depended on an accident of weather and had no real backup plan.

The New York Times - Books

"Men whom we depended on handed over their weapons at the beginning.

The New York Times

We were experts, or we depended on someone else for expertise.

The Guardian - Tech

Where we depended on spraying, the disease was out of control.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "we depended" with stronger verbs, such as "relied", "counted", or "trusted", to make your writing more vivid and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "we depended" without clearly stating the object of dependence. For example, instead of saying "We depended on it", specify "We depended on the new software for data analysis" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we depended" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of reliance or dependence on something or someone in the past. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses that the subject relied on something. This phrase is used to describe past situations where the subject was reliant on specific resources or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we depended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing past reliance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While versatile, remember to specify on whom or what you relied for clarity. Consider alternatives like "we relied on" or "we counted on" for nuanced expression. The phrase is appropriate for various settings, from news reports to scientific papers, showcasing its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we relied on

This alternative emphasizes the act of relying on something or someone. It's a direct synonym, making it highly interchangeable.

we counted on

This phrase indicates a strong expectation that someone or something would be available or effective. It implies trust and anticipation.

we were reliant on

This option uses an adjective to describe the state of being dependent. It emphasizes the condition of reliance.

we leaned on

This phrase suggests that we sought support or assistance from something or someone, often during a difficult time.

we placed our trust in

This alternative highlights the aspect of trust that is inherent in dependence. It suggests a deliberate decision to rely on something.

we put our faith in

Similar to placing trust, this phrase emphasizes belief and confidence in the reliability of something.

we were sustained by

This suggests that something provided the necessary support or resources to continue functioning or surviving.

we were supported by

This option describes a state of receiving help or assistance, emphasizing the support received.

we had recourse to

This phrase indicates that we turned to something as a source of help or a solution to a problem.

we looked to

This is a more general way of saying we sought help or guidance from someone or something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we depended on"?

You can use alternatives like "we relied on", "we counted on", or "we were reliant on" depending on the context.

How do I use "we depended on" in a sentence?

To use "we depended on" effectively, clearly state what or who was relied upon. For example: "We depended on government ration cards" or "We depended on the bus company to be carefully scrutinizing the people that they were hiring".

Is it better to say "we depended on" or "we relied on"?

Both "we depended on" and "we relied on" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Relied" may sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

What is the difference between "we depended on" and "we needed"?

"We depended on" implies reliance or dependence for support or function, while "we needed" suggests a requirement or necessity. For instance, "we depended on donations" means we relied on them, whereas "we needed donations" means they were essential.