1
Core action
Depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
Example
The reconstruction hinges on the assumption that both fragments came from one vessel.
hinge on
/hɪndʒ ɒn/ · hinj ONcondition phrase
Depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
Use hinge on to express this relationship precisely: depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
What hinge on Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Whether the crop succeeds may hinge on the timing of the monsoon.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The dispute hinges on whether the signature is authentic.
Use hinge on Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The reconstruction hinges on the assumption that both fragments came from one vessel.
Whether the crop succeeds may hinge on the timing of the monsoon.
The dispute hinges on whether the signature is authentic.
Precision Matters
Hinge on overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
hinge on
vs.Means depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
be predicated on
Means be based or founded on a premise, condition, or assumption.
hinge on
vs.Means depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
in the event that
Means introduce a possible future condition and what should happen if it occurs.
hinge on
vs.Means depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
in the absence of
Means when a person, thing, condition, or evidence is lacking.
hinge on
vs.Means depend crucially on a condition, fact, or decision.
by virtue of
Means because of possessing a quality, status, or circumstance; through the agency of.
Test hinge on in Context
The argument depends critically on that claim being true.
1
The argument will ___ the claim that the two manuscripts were produced by the same workshop.