depend on sth
phr. v..phr. v.. 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.
phr. v.. 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.
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.
- Particles
- on
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- depend + on + object
The object is often a person for support, or a condition for plans.
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.
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'.