depending

depending — verb

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

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • according to

    more formal; introduces a single varying factor

  • based on

    neutral; more about what something is judged from

文法句型

depending on + noun

depending on + wh-clause

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞不及物B2
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • pending

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

  • outstanding

    general formal word for matters not yet finished

反義詞

文法句型

be + still depending

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞不及物B1
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • relying

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

  • counting

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

反義詞

文法句型

depending on + person

depending on + noun for help

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.