depend on sb/sth for sth
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. To need someone or something for support, money, or help. You can also depend on someone to do something you expect them to do.
phrasal verb. To rely on a person or thing for necessary support, aid, or resources; to be contingent upon a particular factor or condition.
Babies depend on their parents for everything.
The small town's economy depends on the local factory for jobs and growth.
The success of the entire mission would depend on the pilot's expertise for navigating the asteroid field safely.
Often follows the pattern 'depend on [someone/something] for [a resource or outcome]'.
Contrast with 'rely on' (a very close synonym) and 'count on' (which adds a stronger sense of trust and expectation).
I depend of my car to get to work.I depend on my car to get to work.The correct preposition after 'depend' is 'on' (or the more formal 'upon').
Last updated April 24, 2026