Cool MateIt depends vs That depends on what you're threatening
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It depends
That depends on what you're threatening
| It depends | That depends on what you're threatening | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt dɪˈpɛndz//🇺🇸 //ɪt dɪˈpɛndz// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt dɪˈpɛndz ɒn wɒt jʊə ˈθrɛtənɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðæt dɪˈpɛndz ɑn wʌt jʊər ˈθrɛtənɪŋ// |
| Meaning | The answer changes based on different conditions. | It varies based on what you are trying to intimidate. |
| Example | Can we go to the park tomorrow? It depends on the weather. | My response will vary; that depends on what you're threatening. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Collocations | depends on the circumstances, depends on the situation, depends entirely on, depends largely on, depends greatly on | depends on circumstances, depends on context, depends on the situation, depends on variables |
| Common mistakes | Using it as a definitive answer instead of showing uncertainty., Forgetting to clarify what it depends on., Using it in overly formal situations. | Using 'depend' instead of 'depends' after 'that'., Confusing it with 'depends of' instead of 'depends on'., Omitting the subject 'you' in informal speech. |
| Usage notes | Use 'It depends' when the answer to a question is not straightforward. It's often used in discussions where multiple factors are involved. | Use this phrase when discussing how different factors can influence outcomes. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: It depends vs That depends on what you're threatening
What's the difference between It depends and That depends on what you're threatening?
It depends: The answer changes based on different conditions. That depends on what you're threatening: It varies based on what you are trying to intimidate.
Which is more common: It depends and That depends on what you're threatening?
It depends is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
It depends: Can we go to the park tomorrow? It depends on the weather. That depends on what you're threatening: My response will vary; that depends on what you're threatening.
Can I use It depends and That depends on what you're threatening interchangeably?
Not always. It depends and That depends on what you're threatening 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.