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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Depending on

This is a sentence from one of my daughter's assignments. I know that it doesn't sound right but I don't know how to explain what is wrong.

Also depending on the occasion would be the shape of the cake.

The context is a paragraph about box cake mixes in which she has one sentence each about some category related to box cake mixes.

I gave her better ways to say it, but could not definitively say that her sentence was wrong, but I think it is incorrect usage of depending on.

Thank you for your help.
  

Top answer

The sentence is correct, according to my understanding; but I'll grant you it's confusing. As usual, it assumes a bit of context. We're making a list of things which would be different for different occasions.

— Avangi

  • The sentence is correct, according to my understanding; but I'll grant you it's confusing.
  • As usual, it assumes a bit of context.
  • We're making a list of things which would be different for different occasions.
  • Among other things which depend on the occasion is the shape of the cake.
  • Another thing which depends on the occasion is the shape of the cake.
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19 Answers
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The sentence is correct, according to my understanding; but I'll grant you it's confusing. As usual, it assumes a bit of context.

We're making a list of things which would be different for different occasions.

Among other things which depend on the occasion is the shape of the cake.

Another thing which depends on the occasion is the shape of the
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Thanks for your help!

We weren't even sure what the subject on the original sentence was. What would you say the subject is? Depending? Shape?

Also depending on the occasion would be the shape of the cake.
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Personally, I feel that there is an element missing in this sentence. I may be wrong!

Here is my training of thought:

If the occasion is someone's birthday, then "the shape of the cake" is the birthday?, or wedding based on the structure of the sentence?

I am trying to make sense of it by using a parellel:

"Depending on the brand would be the price of the sung
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I have no question about the use of "depending on", it's the noun phrase that I am having trouble with ..

Yes, it's the phrase that trips me up when I read it. You expect to hear to subject verb after it. Without it I wonder if it is a correct usage of phrase.

Any English teachers to the rescue? (I want to say something more to my daughter than, "It doesn't sound right." If
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Prices may vary, depending on the area, or depending on the area, prices may vary. In either construction, "Depending on" is classified as an adjective according to Online Dictionary. But to me, it functions like an adverbial phrase which can be placed at the beginning or the end of the sentence.

Clearly, a verb is needed and "would be" is not the right one because
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Adjective? Hmmm. Modifying prices? I agreee with you seems more like it modifies the verb, but I'm no authority either...

Well, I guess my answer when my daughter gets home as to why she can't say it like that will be the old stand-by "Because I said so." ??? Unless I find an answer somewhere...

I know I'm anonymous here still and I'm really not sure how this forum really wo
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AnonymousAlso depending on the occasion would be the shape of the cake.
It doesn't make much sense to me. I think it's trying to say,

Also, the shape of the cake would depend on the occasion.

but it's so inverted in structure that it's hard to follow.

CJ
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Anonymous We weren't even sure what the subject on the original sentence was.
Hey, Jim, I was waiting for you to weigh in on this one!

But I think we all agree on the meaning. With the right context, it flies pretty straight.
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Hi Anon

Here's my two cents:

First of all, the phrase "depending on" can function as the subject of a sentence. For example:

(1) Depending on him for help would be a mistake.

The structure of the sentence above is basically exactly the same as your daughter's sentence, but "depending on" is not used the way your daughter wants to use it in her sentence.
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<< Also depending on the occasion would be the shape of the cake. >>

I've never considered the sentence wrong. I'm comfortable with atypical sentences.
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