depending

depending — verb

1. the -ing form of 'depend', most often used in the phrase 'depending on' to say t

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

the -ing form of 'depend', most often used in the phrase 'depending on' to say that an outcome, choice, or amount is decided by — or will change because of — a particular fact or condition.

Example

Ticket prices change depending on how early Ishaan books his flight to Bangkok.

depending on + wh-clause

We will eat outside or stay in the kitchen, depending on the weather.

depending on + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • depending on the weather
  • depending on the situation
  • depending on whether
  • depending on how
Synonyms
  • according to

    more formal; introduces a single varying factor

  • based on

    neutral; more about what something is judged from

Grammar Patterns

depending on + noun

depending on + wh-clause

Usage Note

Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'depending on'. Often introduces a clause that explains what makes the result vary. Distinguish from sense 2: here a decision is described as being controlled by a factor; in sense 2 the decision itself is unfinished.

Common Mistakes

The price changes depending of the season.
The price changes depending on the season.
the fixed preposition is 'on', not 'of' or 'from'.
Depend on the weather, we will go.
Depending on the weather, we will go.
at the start of a sentence, use the -ing form.

2. in formal or legal English, used to describe a case, claim, or matter that has n

2.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

in formal or legal English, used to describe a case, claim, or matter that has not yet been settled or decided and is still waiting for a final answer.

Example

The lawsuit between the two companies is still depending in the High Court.

be still + depending; legal subject

Several appeals were depending when the new judge took over the bench.

past form 'were depending' with legal noun

Common collocations
  • case depending
  • claim depending
  • still depending
  • appeal depending
Synonyms
  • pending

    the modern, far more common word for cases waiting to be decided

  • outstanding

    general formal word for matters not yet finished

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

be + still depending

Usage Note

Formal and rather old-fashioned; modern English usually prefers 'pending' or 'still being decided'. Subject is typically a legal or official matter (case, appeal, claim, application). Distinguish from sense 1, which describes how an outcome varies.

Common Mistakes

My job offer is depending now.
My job offer is still pending.
for everyday situations, native speakers use 'pending', not 'depending'.
The case is depending of the court.
The case is still depending in the court.
no 'of'; if anything, use 'in' for the location.

3. the -ing form of 'depend' used in continuous tenses to say that someone is putti

3.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

the -ing form of 'depend' used in continuous tenses to say that someone is putting their trust in another person or thing for help, support, or money.

Example

Caleb is depending on his older sister to pick him up after the late shift.

be + depending on + person + to-infinitive

The whole team is depending on Sirin to score the winning goal.

team subject; depending on + person

Common collocations
  • depending on family
  • depending on friends
  • depending on aid
  • depending on a salary
Synonyms
  • relying

    very close in meaning; slightly more neutral and common in writing

  • counting

    more emotional, often about a person needing someone to come through

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

depending on + person

depending on + noun for help

Usage Note

Often appears in continuous tenses ('is depending on', 'has been depending on'). Followed by 'on' (or rarely 'upon') plus the person or thing trusted, sometimes with 'for + noun' or 'to + verb' to say what is needed. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about outcomes that vary, not about trust.

Common Mistakes

I am depending to my brother.
I am depending on my brother.
the verb takes 'on', not 'to'.
She is depending on him for to pay the bills.
She is depending on him to pay the bills.
drop 'for' before the to-infinitive.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All three phrases connect a result to a fact that controls or shapes it, but they sit at different points on the formality scale. 'Depending on' is the most flexible spoken phrase: it can introduce a noun ('depending on the weather') or a wh-clause ('depending on how busy we are'), and it always suggests that the outcome may vary. 'According to' is more formal and usually introduces a single source, rule, or measure ('payment differs according to age'); it points to the standard the result follows. 'Based on' tends to come after a noun and explain how a judgement, plan, or decision was reached ('a decision based on test results'). So a teacher might say 'Your grade depends on attendance', a contract might say 'fees vary according to package', and a report might say 'recommendations based on the survey'.

depending on ↗according tobased on

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • depending on the weather
  • depending on whether
  • still depending
  • depending on family

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The -ing form of the verb 'depend', which entered Middle English from Old French 'dependre', itself from Latin 'dependere', literally 'to hang down from' (de- 'down' + pendere 'to hang'). The original picture of one thing hanging from another developed into today's two main ideas: an outcome 'hanging on' a condition, and a person 'hanging on' someone for support.