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depend on

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To need someone or something, or to say that something will be different depending on the situation

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To need someone or something for support, survival, or success

"Many small businesses depend on repeat customers to stay profitable."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To vary or change according to particular conditions or factors

"Whether we go camping this weekend depends on the weather forecast."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To trust that someone will behave in a reliable, consistent way

"You can always depend on her — she has never let us down."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Extremely common in all registers. The phrase 'it depends' (without 'on') is used alone when the condition is understood or will be stated separately. 'That depends on...' is one of the most frequent sentence patterns in English.

Commonly used with

context situation circumstances weather budget factors support

Forms

Base
depend on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
depends on
he/she/it
Past simple
depended on
yesterday
Past participle
depended on
have + pp
-ing form
depending on
continuous

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Synonyms

rely on count on hinge on be contingent on rest on be subject to

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