What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depend
Example
The success of the project depends on the cooperation of all team members. [depend: verb]
Example
Whether we go to the beach or not depends on the weather forecast. [depend: verb]
Example
She depends on her parents for financial support. [depends: present tense]
hinge
Example
The success of the plan hinges on the approval of the board. [hinges: present tense]
Example
Our vacation plans hinge on whether we can get time off work. [hinge: verb]
Example
The door hinges need to be oiled as they are squeaking. [hinges: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depend is more commonly used than hinge in everyday language, making it a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depend and hinge?
Hinge is more formal than depend and is often used in academic or technical writing to describe a critical factor or condition that affects an outcome or decision.
