Depend on sth Meaning, Examples & How to Use It Correctly

What Does “Depend on sth” Mean?

“Depend on sth” means to rely on something or be influenced by it. It shows that one thing requires or trusts another.

Introduction

The phrase “Depend on sth” is a common phrasal verb in English. It means to rely on or trust something for support, help, or a result. Understanding the depend on sth meaning helps learners express situations where one thing is affected by or connected to another. For example, you might say, “Success depends on hard work,” meaning hard work is necessary for success. This phrase is useful in daily conversation, writing, and formal contexts. Knowing how to use depend on sth correctly improves your communication and helps avoid confusion.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: depend on sth (depend on something)
• Type: Inseparable
• Level: A2–B2
• Short meaning: To rely on or be influenced by something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Depend on sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot place the object between “depend” and “on.” The object always follows “on.”

Correct pattern:

• Depend + on + something
• Example: She depends on her friends for support.

Incorrect pattern:

• Depend + something + on
• Example: She depends her friends on. (Wrong)

How to Use “Depend on sth”?

You use “depend on sth” when you want to say that one thing needs or trusts another. It can describe relationships between people, plans, facts, or conditions. It often answers the question “What does it rely on?”

Examples of use include:

• Talking about trust: “You can depend on me.”
• Explaining causes: “The picnic depends on the weather.”
• Describing conditions: “Your success depends on your effort.”

Examples

• Depend on sth in a sentence: “Children depend on their parents for care.”
• “Our holiday plans depend on the flight schedule.”
• “Good health depends on a balanced diet.”
• “You can always depend on him to help.”
• “The project’s success depends on teamwork.”

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: She depends her friends on for advice.
  Correct: She depends on her friends for advice.
• Incorrect: I depend about the results.
  Correct: I depend on the results.
• Incorrect: The outcome depends with the weather.
  Correct: The outcome depends on the weather.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “rely on,” “count on,” and “trust in.” While all express dependence, some differences exist:

• Depend on: Neutral, often used for conditions or facts.
• Rely on: Emphasizes trust or confidence.
• Count on: Informal, implies expectation of help.
• Trust in: More emotional or belief-based.

Example: “I depend on the bus schedule.” (fact) vs. “I rely on my best friend.” (trust)

Common Collocations

• Depend on someone (e.g., parents, friends, team)
• Depend on something (e.g., weather, results, effort)
• Depend on help
• Depend on support
• Depend on circumstances

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of depend on sth:

• Depend Upon Sb
• Depend On Sb Sth
• Depend On Sb
• Depend Upon Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: Can we go hiking tomorrow?

Ben: It depends on the weather. If it rains, we should stay home.

Anna: Good point. Our plans depend on the forecast.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with “depend on”:

• 1. Success in the exam __________ how much you study.
• 2. We __________ the internet for information every day.
• 3. The party __________ the number of guests who come.

FAQs

• Q: Is “depend on” separable?
  A: No, “depend on” is inseparable. The object always comes after “on.”
• Q: Can “depend on” be used for people and things?
  A: Yes, it can refer to both people and things.
• Q: What is the difference between “depend on” and “rely on”?
  A: “Depend on” is more neutral, while “rely on” emphasizes trust or confidence.
• Q: Can “depend on” be used in formal writing?
  A: Yes, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: What preposition follows “depend”?
  A: The preposition “on” always follows “depend.”