ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dependent on sb/sth

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. to need someone or something to survive, succeed, or work correctly.

prep. phr.. describing a state of reliance where the subject's existence, function, or success is contingent upon an external agent or factor.


SIMPLE

The baby is completely dependent on her parents.

CONTEXTUAL

The local economy is heavily dependent on tourism, so the winter months are often very quiet.

COMPLEX

Modern infrastructure has become increasingly dependent on satellite technology, making the global economy vulnerable to solar flares and cyberattacks.

Usage

usually follows the verb 'to be' and requires the preposition 'on' before the object.

Teaching tip

contrast with the verb 'depend on'; while the meaning is identical, 'dependent' is an adjective and requires a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

Pitfall

It is dependent of the weather.It is dependent on the weather.the adjective 'dependent' always takes the preposition 'on', never 'of'.

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