What Does “Depend on sb” Mean?
“Depend on sb” means to rely on someone for help, support, or to do something. It shows trust and expectation that the person will be there when needed.
Introduction
The phrase “Depend on sb” is commonly used in everyday English to express trust and reliance on another person. When you depend on someone, you believe they will help you or behave in a certain way. The depend on sb meaning highlights the importance of relationships where one person needs support or assistance from another. This phrase is useful in many contexts, from personal relationships to work situations. Understanding how to use “depend on sb” correctly can improve your communication and help you express your feelings or expectations clearly.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Depend on sb (sb = somebody)
- Type: Intransitive (depends on a preposition + object)
- Level: A2–B1
- Short meaning: To rely on someone for help or support
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Depend on sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. The structure is always:
- Depend + on + somebody/something
For example:
- She depends on her friends for advice.
- We depend on electricity to work.
You cannot separate “depend” and “on” with other words.
How to Use “Depend on sb”?
Use “depend on sb” when you want to say that you trust or need someone to do something for you. It often refers to emotional support, help, or reliability. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. You can also use it to talk about things, not just people.
Examples of situations:
- Relying on a family member during difficult times
- Trusting a colleague to complete a task
- Depending on services like electricity or the internet
Examples
- I depend on my sister when I need advice.
- You can always depend on him to keep a secret.
- Many farmers depend on the rain for their crops.
- We depend on public transport to get to work every day.
- Depend on sb in a sentence: She depends on her coach for guidance.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I depend him for help.
Correct: I depend on him for help. - Incorrect: She depends to her parents.
Correct: She depends on her parents. - Incorrect: They depend their friends.
Correct: They depend on their friends.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “rely on,” “count on,” and “trust.” All express dependence but with slight differences:
- Depend on: General reliance, often emotional or practical.
- Rely on: More formal, emphasizes certainty and trust.
- Count on: Informal, suggests confidence someone will do something.
- Trust: Focuses on belief in someone’s honesty or ability.
Example: I rely on my team for support, but I also count on them to meet deadlines.
Common Collocations
- Depend on family
- Depend on friends
- Depend on support
- Depend on help
- Depend on someone’s advice
- Depend on services (electricity, internet)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of depend on sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Can I depend on you to help with the project?
Ben: Of course! You can always depend on me.
Anna: Thanks! I really need someone reliable.
Ben: No problem. We’re a team, after all.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “depend on”:
- I always ______ my parents when I need advice.
- We ______ the weather for a good harvest.
- You can ______ me to finish the work on time.
- She doesn’t like to ______ anyone for help.
FAQs
- Q: Is “depend on sb” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Can “depend on” be used with things, not just people?
A: Yes, you can depend on things like weather, services, or situations.
- Q: What is the difference between “depend on” and “rely on”?
A: “Rely on” is slightly more formal and emphasizes trust more strongly.
- Q: Is “depend on” separable?
A: No, “depend on” is inseparable. You must keep “depend” and “on” together.
- Q: Can I say “depend to someone”?
A: No, the correct preposition is “on,” so say “depend on someone.”
