Phrasal verb
depend on sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To need something or someone for support, or to trust that they will help you. It can also mean that a situation will be decided by something else.
phrasal verb. To require something as a necessary condition (to be contingent on); or, to rely on someone or something for support or as a basis for action.
Examples
“Babies depend on their parents for everything.”
“Our picnic plans depend on the weather, so I hope it stays sunny.”
“The entire ecosystem's delicate balance depends on the seasonal migration patterns of this one seemingly insignificant bird species.”
Examples
simple
“Babies depend on their parents for everything.”
contextual
“Our picnic plans depend on the weather, so I hope it stays sunny.”
complex
“The entire ecosystem's delicate balance depends on the seasonal migration patterns of this one seemingly insignificant bird species.”
Usage
The object is often a person for support, or a condition for plans.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'rely on' (a near-synonym focused on trust) and 'count on' (more informal, for people); 'depend on' is the most neutral and common.
Pitfall
I depend of my car to get to work.
I depend on my car to get to work.
The verb 'depend' always pairs with the preposition 'on' or 'upon', never 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
depend + on + object