"depends on" usage

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Anonymous  #508924  Sat, 03 May 08 12:46 PM

They refer to it both as the elixir of life and the elixir of death. It depends on how it's used, and how it's used depends substantially on the context in which people find themselves.

Can  on be inserted? Please clarify 

  
Kooyeen  #509003  Sat, 03 May 08 04:16 PM
I think it's possible. I usually leave it out when "It depends" is just a way to say that a certain statement is not true in every case or for everyone.
Is a Ferrari the right car for me? It depends how much money you have. If you are really rich, you can afford it, and you like it so much, why not?
And I don't usually leave it out if "depends" is part of an explanation, and what follows is what a certain thing relies on.
The speed of this new rocket depends on which coefficients have been chosen when designing the outer parts.

But maybe it's just me... I'm not a native speaker. Wink
  
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New2grammar  #509009  Sat, 03 May 08 04:29 PM

Kooyeen, I don't quite understand your determining factor, reasoning vs speculation logic?

I always use depends on and am certain I'm wrong but it's better safe than sorry. I think now is the right time to figure this out. Can you be more thorough?Thanks in advance!

  
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Kooyeen  #509018  Sat, 03 May 08 04:44 PM
Hi,
I don't know, it's just the way I use it. I don't include "on" when I use the expression "It depends", where "It" is not really referring to something specific. I could leave out the part after "It depends", in those cases.
Is it good? It depends (what you mean by good)
I don't know if I'll be there. It depends (whether I'll feel like it)
You think I'm handsome? Heh, it depends (who you are comparing me with)

Here you have something more specific, where I can't leave out the part after "it depends".
We are talking about the parameter alpha. It (=alpha) depends on how we choose the other related parameter, beta.

In any case, I think I can't make a clear-cut distinction in every case, so there are several cases where I'd just say the version I like better. Also, this applies to "it depends". If I change the subject, and say "That depends", I am much more likely to include "on", I think.
Just my opinion. Smile
  
New2grammar  #509022  Sat, 03 May 08 04:50 PM

It seems like it boils down to personal preference or style. Thanks Kooyeen.

  
CalifJim  #509077  Sat, 03 May 08 06:51 PM
You can always use ondepends on.

But when the subject is it and an indirect question follows, you can omit on, but you don't have to.  It depends (whether / what / who / where / when / how) ... 

Note:  It depends on the first person to arrive.  (You can't leave out on here.  There's no indirect question.) 

Personally, I always use on.

CJ 

  
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Yoong Liat  #509090  Sat, 03 May 08 08:07 PM

'on' is necessary

Anonymous

They refer to it both as the elixir of life and the elixir of death. It depends on how it's used, and how it's used depends substantially on the context in which people find themselves.

Can  on be inserted? Please clarify 

Yes. 'on' is required in the sentence you provided/
  
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