1
Depend on approval
Make an outcome conditional on an external decision.
Example
The expansion will be contingent on council approval.
be contingent on
/bi kənˈtɪndʒənt ɒn/ · bee kuhn-TIN-juhnt oncondition phrase
Depend on a condition that must be met.
Use be contingent on to signal this exact relationship between ideas: depend on a condition that must be met.
What be contingent on Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Depend on evidence
Withhold a conclusion until a requirement is satisfied.
Example
Acceptance is contingent on successful replication.
3
Define necessary condition
State what must occur for something else to follow.
Example
Funding is contingent on annual reporting.
Use be contingent on Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The expansion will be contingent on council approval.
Acceptance is contingent on successful replication.
Funding is contingent on annual reporting.
Precision Matters
Be contingent on overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
be contingent on
vs.Signals depend on a condition that must be met.
assuming that
Means if one accepts that a stated condition or premise is true.
be contingent on
vs.Signals depend on a condition that must be met.
be associated with
Means be connected with something, without necessarily being caused by it.
be contingent on
vs.Signals depend on a condition that must be met.
ineluctable
Means inescapable; inevitable.
be contingent on
vs.Signals depend on a condition that must be met.
preclude
Means to prevent something from happening or make it impossible.
Test be contingent on in Context
The outcome depends on a condition that must first be satisfied.
1
Publication will ___ successful replication by an independent laboratory.