"that depends only on" vs "that only depends on"

Question

"that depends only on" vs "that only depends on"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "That only depends on" implies that the thing being discussed depends solely on the mentioned factor, while "that depends only on" suggests that the dependency is restricted to the mentioned factor. The choice between the two depends on the emphasis you want to convey in your sentence.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used to specify that the dependency is limited to the factor mentioned.

Examples:

The outcome that depends only on the weather is out of our control.
His success that depends only on his skills is admirable.
The decision that depends only on the facts is usually the most rational.

Alternatives:

that relies solely on
that is based solely on

This phrase is used to indicate that something relies exclusively on the factor mentioned.

Examples:

The success of the project that only depends on funding is uncertain.
Her decision that only depends on her emotions may not be rational.
The outcome that only depends on luck is unpredictable.

Alternatives:

that solely depends on
that exclusively depends on

Answer 1

that depends only on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

that only depends on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"that depends only on" vs "that only depends on"

that depends only on

that only depends on

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