The Subtle Difference Between 'depending on' and 'depending upon': A Comprehensive Guide

When writing in English, it's crucial to choose the correct phrase for clarity and adherence to grammatical rules. This article explores the nuanced differences between the phrases 'depending on' and 'depending upon', examining the appropriate contexts for each.

The Commonality of 'Depending on'

Depending on is the more commonly used phrase in modern English. It is favored in everyday conversation and informal writing. This phrase tends to sound more casual and is versatile enough to be used in various contexts, as seen in the following examples:

It depends on the weather if we will have the picnic. She depends on her income from freelance writing. The success of the project depends on the team's coordination.

The Formality of 'Depending Upon'

Depending upon can sound slightly more formal or literary. It is often preferred in more formal writing or in specific contexts where a more traditional tone is desired. This phrase is less common in everyday conversation but can be seen in formal documents, literature, or official communications:

How the crisis unfolded depends upon the historical context in which it occurred. Our plans depend upon the approval of the board. The success of the campaign depends upon the effective use of resources.

A Case Study: 'It Depends On'

The phrase 'it depends on' is often used to express a single variable or a specific condition that affects the outcome. This can be seen in:

It depends on the weather if we will have the picnic. It depends on your availability if we can schedule the meeting.

In contrast, 'it depends' can be more vague, suggesting multiple potential variables. Here are a few examples:

Do you depend on others to reach the best solution? We do not know the outcome; it depends on various factors.

Grammatical Nuances: 'Depend On' vs. 'Depends On'

The choice between 'depend on' and 'depends on' also depends on the subject of the sentence and the context:

They depend on their parents for financial support. She depends on the results of the test to decide her final grade.

In British English, the preposition 'upon' is often used to add emphasis or formality, but in American English, 'on' is more commonly used.

Examples and Usage in Context

Consider the following examples to illustrate the difference more clearly:

To depend on someone for any help: This implies a reliance on another person, such as:

We depend on our neighbors to keep an eye on our house while we are away.

Meanwhile, using 'depend upon' for the same context reads:
We depend upon our neighbors to keep an eye on our house while we are away.

It depends upon your needs and wants based on the priorities that you have to lead your life: This is a more formal or literary tone, which highlights the importance of individual circumstances:

It depends upon your needs and wants based on the priorities that you have to lead your life.

Children depend on parents to help them in the early childhood: This is a simpler, more straightforward usage:

Children depend on parents to help them in the early childhood.

It depends upon the child maturity process, mental and physical development to get out of the dependency from the parents: This is a more detailed and complex sentence:

It depends upon the child's maturity process and mental and physical development to get out of the dependency from the parents.

The end has come upon us: This is a more literary or archaic usage:

The end has come upon us.

Conclusion

While both phrases 'depending on' and 'depending upon' convey the same fundamental concept of reliance, there are subtle differences in their usage that can affect the tone and formality of the writing. 'Depending on' is generally more casual and informal, while 'depending upon' can add a sense of gravitas or traditionalism. Understanding these distinctions can help writers choose the most appropriate phrase for their content.

By paying attention to the nuances of these phrases, you can ensure your writing is clear, effective, and appropriately formal.