Cool MateCount vs Depend
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Count
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Depend
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Count | Depend | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kaʊnt/","/kaʊnts/","/ˈkaʊntɪd/","/ˈkaʊntɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kaʊnt/","/kaʊnts/","/ˈkaʊntɪd/","/ˈkaʊntɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈpend/","/dɪˈpendz/","/dɪˈpendɪd/","/dɪˈpendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈpend/","/dɪˈpendz/","/dɪˈpendɪd/","/dɪˈpendɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to say numbers in order or to determine how many there are | to need something or someone for support |
| Example | Can you count how many apples are in the basket? | Starting salary varies from £26 000 to £30 500, depending on experience. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | count to ten, count on someone, count the votes, count your blessings, count backwards | depend on, depend heavily, depend entirely, depend largely, depend solely |
| Antonyms | ignore, neglect, disregard | independent, self-sufficient |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'count' with 'counted' in past tense., Using 'count' without an object when a number reference is needed., Incorrectly using 'account' instead of 'count'. | Confusing 'depend' with 'dependant'., Using 'depend' without 'on' before the object., Saying 'depend of' instead of 'depend on'. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. More common in everyday language and counting physical objects. Avoid in highly technical or academic discussions without context. | Use 'depend' when talking about reliance. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it when discussing certainty, as that would be 'rely'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Count vs Depend
What's the difference between Count and Depend?
Count: to say numbers in order or to determine how many there are Depend: to need something or someone for support
Are Count and Depend the same CEFR level?
Count: A2, Depend: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Count and Depend?
Count: verb, Depend: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Count: Can you count how many apples are in the basket? Depend: Starting salary varies from £26 000 to £30 500, depending on experience.
Can I use Count and Depend interchangeably?
Not always. Count and Depend are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.