The verb "depend" in English

 The verb "depend" in English is used to express that something is contingent on or determined by something else. It often implies a relationship of reliance or conditionality. Here's a breakdown of how to use "depend" with different prepositions and in various contexts:

1. Depend ON:

This is the most common usage of "depend." It means that something is determined or influenced by something else.

• Meaning: To rely on for support, help, or what is needed; to be contingent on.
• Examples:
  • "The success of the project depends on the team's cooperation." (Contingent on cooperation)
  • "We depend on our parents for financial support while we're in college." (Rely on for support)
  • "The picnic depends on the weather being nice." (Contingent on weather)
  • "You can always depend on her to be honest." (Rely on for a quality)
  • "My mood often depends on how well I sleep." (Influenced by sleep)

2. Depend UPON:

This is generally interchangeable with "depend on" and carries the same meaning. "Upon" is slightly more formal than "on."

• Meaning: Same as "depend on."
• Examples:
  • "The decision depends upon the information we receive."
  • "Their future depends upon making the right choices now."

3. It depends:

This is a very common idiomatic expression meaning that the answer varies depending on the circumstances or factors.

• Meaning: The answer is not definite and is contingent on something else.
• Examples:
  • "Are you going to the party?" "It depends on how I feel later."
  • "Can we finish the project by Friday?" "It depends on whether we get the necessary resources."

4. Depend on someone/something (to do something):

This usage emphasizes relying on someone or something to perform a specific action.

• Meaning: To count on someone or something to do a particular thing.
• Examples:
  • "You can depend on him to be there on time."
  • "We depend on the bus to get us to work."
  • "I depend on my alarm clock to wake me up."

5. Dependent (Adjective):

The adjective form "dependent" means relying on someone or something else for support or existence. It is often followed by the prepositions "on" or "upon."

• Meaning: Relying on someone or something else for support, needing someone or something else.
• Examples:
  • "Children are dependent on their parents for food and shelter."
  • "The economy is heavily dependent on oil prices."
  • "She wants to be financially independent and not dependent upon her husband." (Note the antonym "independent")

Key Points to Remember:

• The most common and versatile usage is depend on.
• Depend upon is more formal but means the same as "depend on."
• It depends is a useful short phrase indicating conditionality.
• When talking about relying on someone/something to do something, use the structure "depend on someone/something to do something."
• The adjective form is dependent, usually followed by on or upon.

Understanding these different ways to use "depend" will help you communicate more effectively in English. Remember to pay attention to the context to determine the precise meaning.