How to say it · Speaking moves

Saying "it depends"

The honest answer is "sometimes". But if you stop at "It depends", you sound like you're dodging the question. Say what it depends on.

5 ways to say it

At a café table, Jo shrugs with both palms up as she answers a friend, a signpost pointing two ways beside her.

How formalCasualFormal

It depends onbest default It dependsquick start It variesamounts change Yes and nomixed answer It's case by casework-safe

Way 1 · best default

It depends on

You name the exact thing that changes your answer, then give an example. The clearest, safest way.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

It depends on the weather. If it's sunny, I cycle to work.

It depends on how busy I am, but usually I cook three times a week.

In a conversation

A: Do you prefer staying in or going out?
B: It depends on my mood. After a long week, I just want to stay in.

Common mistake

Not: ~~It's depend~~ on the weather.

Say: It depends on the weather.

No "is" before it. "Depends" is already the verb. Also say "depends on", not "depends of".

Practice saying this

Next: It depends

Way 2 · quick start

It depends

A short opener. It only works if an "if" or "when" sentence comes straight after it.

How formalCasual

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

It depends. If I finish work early, I'll come.

Coffee or tea? It depends. In the morning it's always coffee.

In a conversation

A: Do you cook at home?
B: It depends. When I get home early, yes, but on busy days I just get takeaway.

Common mistake

Not: ~~A: Do you cook at home? B:~~ It depends.

Say: It depends. If I get home early, I cook.

Stopping at "It depends" sounds like you're avoiding the question. Always say when, or on what.

Practice saying this

Next: It varies

Way 3 · amounts change

It varies

The number, amount or quality isn't the same each time. A bit more formal. Give a range after it.

How formalFormal

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

How long do I sleep? It varies, between five and eight hours.

It varies a lot. Some weeks I read two books, some weeks none.

Common mistake

Not: ~~It's various.~~

Say: It varies.

"Various" means "many different" and goes before a noun (various reasons). For change, use the verb: it varies.

Practice saying this

Next: Yes and no

Way 4 · mixed answer

Yes and no

For a yes-or-no question when both are partly true. Say which part is yes and which is no.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Do we get on? Yes and no. We're very different, but she's my best friend.

Is it expensive there? Yes and no. Rent is high, but food is really cheap.

In a conversation

A: Do you like living in the city?
B: Yes and no! I love the food, but the traffic drives me mad.

Practice saying this

Next: It's case by case

Way 5 · work-safe

It's case by case

There's no single rule. Each situation is looked at on its own. Common at work.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Working from home? It's case by case. Ask your manager.

Refunds after thirty days are possible, but it's case by case.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

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Which would you say?

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It depends on It depends It varies Yes and no

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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