DEPEND ON

National Parks

📖 Definition

To rely on someone or something for support, help, or survival. It may refer to trusting in the consistency or presence of what is depended on.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To rely on someone or something for support, help, or survival. It may refer to trusting in the consistency or presence of what is depended on.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The elements cannot be separated by other words.
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Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires an object, usually someone or something.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple depend on She depends on her friends for advice.
Past Simple depended on He depended on his brother during tough times.
Present Continuous depending on The plan is varying, depending on the weather.
Present Perfect have depended on They have depended on each other for years.

💡 When to Use

Trusting someone's assistance
Use when you need to express reliance on someone's help or support in a situation.
Example: "I depend on my neighbor to feed my cats."
Relying on a system or tool
Apply when referencing the reliance on a specific system, tool, or methodology for success.
Example: "We depend on the software to track sales."
Defining variable outcomes
Use when outcome varies based on certain factors or conditions present.
Example: "The date of the event depends on the weather."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: She depends to her friend.
✅ Correct: She depends on her friend.
💡 Tip: Remember: 'depend on', not 'depend to'.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: He depends.
✅ Correct: He depends on his team.
💡 Tip: Always specify what or who is depended upon.
Subject-verb agreement
❌ Wrong: They depends on each other.
✅ Correct: They depend on each other.
💡 Tip: Match verb form with subject plurality.
Practice

DEPEND ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

rely on count on

Antonyms

distrust

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She really ___ on him for help these days."

counts
depend on
rely
based

"Wise is the person who knows that real strength lies in the ability to depend on others when needed most."

In Context

In the dire winter of 1777, the Continental Army, led by George Washington, faced harrowing conditions at Valley Forge. Supplies were scarce, and the men were suffering, yet Washington knew they would depend on resilience and external alliances to endure. Morale was low, but the soldiers depended on each other for strength and hope, helping build a sense of unity. Meanwhile, Washington depended on gaining support from the Continental Congress, which was crucial for receiving necessary supplies. Recognizing the plight, Congress started improving logistics and enlisted the aid of foreign allies. Notably, Baron von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, arrived and trained the troops, instilling a new discipline. As spring approached, the well-organized army emerged, marking a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Washington's ability to depend on his men and foreign allies was key to turning the tide in America's favor. By mid-June 1778, after forming a cohesive force, they were ready to reclaim lost ground. Thus, Valley Forge became a testament to the power of unity and the crucial role of mutual dependence.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Depend On

What is the origin of depend on?

+
The term 'depend on' comes from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang down or hang up', which evolved to mean relying or resting upon something.

Can depend on be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Depend on' is versatile and used across both formal and informal contexts, suitable for everyday conversation and academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between depend on and rely on?

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While both express trust or support, 'rely on' often conveys a stronger sense of necessity or certainty compared to 'depend on', which is more general.

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Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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