ENGLISH
REFERENCE

it depends

fixed phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

fixed phr.. This means the answer is not a simple 'yes' or 'no'. The right answer changes based on the situation.

fixed phr.. A fixed expression used to indicate that the answer to a question is contingent on other factors and cannot be a simple affirmative or negative.


SIMPLE

Should I bring a jacket? It depends.

CONTEXTUAL

How much does a new phone cost? It depends on the brand you choose.

COMPLEX

Whether the new policy will succeed is not a simple question; it depends entirely on public compliance and the government's enforcement capacity.

Usage

This phrase is often followed by 'on' and the factor that influences the answer.

Teaching tip

Teach this as a complete conversational turn that signals a more complex answer is coming; contrast it with a direct 'yes' or 'no'.

Pitfall

It's depend.It depends.The phrase uses the simple present verb 'depends', not the verb 'to be' plus 'depend'.

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