How to say “it depends” like a native speaker
Say that the answer changes according to the circumstances. Add “on” and the deciding factor when you can be more specific.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “it depends” in real speech
Clip 1 · Learn English with Bob the Canadian
Talking about Likes and Dislikes in English - A Real English Conversation with Bob and Jen · 8:33
About this video
Bob and Jen answer their daughter's questions about their likes, dislikes and preferences. Bob introduces it as an informal conversation rather than a formal English lesson.
In context
You want me to answer? Yeah, well, I don't hardly watch anything.Okay. It depends.
I like watching a really good movie in the theater,
Clip 2 · VOA Learning English
Bald Eagle, Blue Ghost, Knitting at Movies, Feedback · 24:54
About this video
The VOA Learning English presenters introduce stories about the bald eagle, the Blue Ghost lunar mission, knitting at cinemas and feedback. The programme opens by discussing the bald eagle's recovery after its numbers had fallen.
In context
Depends on something else happening first.It depends on a certain condition.
And that condition is expressed by the if clause.
Clip 3 · Ivan Joseph
The skill of self confidence | Dr. Ivan Joseph | TEDxRyersonU · 3:43
About this video
Ivan Joseph discusses self-confidence as a skill that can be developed. He draws on his experience coaching football and talks about the role of what people say to themselves.
In context
How many of us bail after the first bit of adversity?Edison was on that video, and it depends who you ask, there's anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 tries to build that light bulb.
1,000 to 10,000.
When to use “it depends”
- Discussing a possible picnic: “Can we eat outside?” “It depends on the weather.”
- Answering a question about travel time: “It depends how much traffic there is.”
Common learner mistake
Say “It depends on the price”, not “It depends of the price”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “it depends”
“Depends” stresses its second syllable. Keep the final Z after D, rather than ending on a bare D.
Related phrases
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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