Anonymous  +  962581 Thu, 05 Nov 09 04:42 PM This is a sentence from one of my daughter's assignments. I know that it doesn't sound right but I don't know how to explain what is wrong. Also depending on the occasion would be the shape of the cake. The context is a paragraph about box cake mixes in which she has one sentence each about some category related to box cake mixes. I gave her better ways to say it, but could not definitively say that her sentence was wrong, but I think it is incorrect usage of depending on. Thank you for your help. Anonymous

	Avangi  +  962584 Thu, 05 Nov 09 04:49 PM The sentence is correct, according to my understanding; but I'll grant you it's confusing.  As usual, it assumes a bit of context. We're making a list of things which would be different for different occasions. Among other things which depend on the occasion is the shape of the cake. Another thing which depends on the occasion is the shape of the cake. There are many things which depend on the occasion, including the shape of the cake. The shape chosen for the cake will vary, depending on the occasion. Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 8,171 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier Sentences, Context

	dimsumexpress  +  962719 Thu, 05 Nov 09 08:03 PM Personally, I feel that there is an element missing in this sentence. I may be wrong! Here is my training of thought: If the occasion is someone's birthday, then "the shape of the cake" is the birthday?, or wedding based on the structure of the sentence?   I am trying to make sense of it by using a parellel: "Depending on the brand would be the price of the sunglasses". It sounds as pleasing to the ears as finger nails on blackboard, to mine anyway.   I think if the sentence were "Depending on the occasion, the shape of the cake varies" it would have made more sense.   I have no question about the use of "depending on", it's the noun phrase that I am having trouble with .. dimsumexpress Joined on Mon, Oct 12 2009 Full Member 273 Weddings, Nouns, Noun Phrases, Marriage, Sentences, Phrases, Training, Ceremonies

	dimsumexpress  +  962777 Thu, 05 Nov 09 09:23 PM Prices may vary, depending on the area, or depending on the area, prices may vary.  In either construction, "Depending on" is classified as an adjective according to Online Dictionary. But to me, it functions like an adverbial phrase which can be placed at the beginning or the end of the sentence.   Clearly, a verb is needed and "would be" is not the right one because X is influenced by (depending on) the action of Y. I am not the authority to rander a verdict on the grammatical legality of this sentence. But I just pick up an awkward feeling reading this sentence. Not too much help there!   dimsumexpress Constructions, Adjectives, Sentences

	CalifJim  +  962823 Thu, 05 Nov 09 10:21 PM Anonymous “Also depending on the occasion would be the shape of the cake.” It doesn't make much sense to me.  I think it's trying to say, Also, the shape of the cake would depend on the occasion. but it's so inverted in structure that it's hard to follow. CJ CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,379 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

	Avangi  +  962829 Thu, 05 Nov 09 10:30 PM Anonymous “ We weren't even sure what the subject on the original sentence was.  ” Hey, Jim, I was waiting for you to weigh in on this one! But I think we all agree on the meaning.  With the right context, it flies pretty straight. Avangi Sentences, Context