ENGLISH
REFERENCE

depend on sb/sth for sth

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. To need someone or something for support, money, or help. You can also depend on someone to do something you expect them to do.

phr. v.. To rely on a person or thing for necessary support, aid, or resources; to be contingent upon a particular factor or condition.


SIMPLE

Babies depend on their parents for everything.

CONTEXTUAL

The small town's economy depends on the local factory for jobs and growth.

COMPLEX

The success of the entire mission would depend on the pilot's expertise for navigating the asteroid field safely.

Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
depend + on + object (+ for + object)
Usage

Often follows the pattern 'depend on [someone/something] for [a resource or outcome]'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'rely on' (a very close synonym) and 'count on' (which adds a stronger sense of trust and expectation).

Pitfall

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').

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