depend/ depend (up)on

[Vega]

Bona mente!

I used to think the word 'depend' should have a prep. till I came across the following sentence:

It depends how you look at it.

Could you tell me when it used with or without prep. , please?



Thanks.

[Krisi]

Bona mente!

I used to think the word 'depend' should have a prep. till I came across the following sentence:

It depends how you look at it.

Could you tell me when it used with or without prep. , please?

Thanks.

This is how I understand it;

It depends how you look at it. - denotes (or points out) unsureness or unpredictability. The certainty of the given situation will be supported by a third party.

depend(s) on/upon - is a phrasal verb. Consider this as an expression, or a term with a definite meaning.
depend(s) on/upon - rely on, confidence in, trust in...

[Vega]

thank you so much! :P

[Krisi]

You're welcome.

In addition, please observe the noun/(pronoun) and verb agreement of the following:

Singular Pronoun

• First Person - I depend on/upon ...
  Second Person - You depend on/upon...
  Third Person - He/She/It depends on/upon...

Plural Pronoun

• First Person - We depend on/upon...
  Second Person - You depend on/upon...
  Third Person - They depend on/upon...

[Vega]

That question of yours has been asked on 'grammar help desk'.Here's the link for it:
http://www.englishclub.com/esl-forums/v ... on#p311923

If so, then this sentence is incorrect, isn't it?

It depends how you look at it.

[Krisi]

That question of yours has been asked on 'grammar help desk'.Here's the link for it:
http://www.englishclub.com/esl-forums/v ... on#p311923

If so, then this sentence is incorrect, isn't it?

It depends how you look at it.

Xkalibur,
It is accepted.
In casual or friendly conversions on is commonly dropped but in written English it is retained.

[Dixie]

It depends how you look at it.

You are absolutely right. The verb "to depend" always carries the preposition.

Looks to me this is an informal conversation. Can you tell us where you got it to make sure?

[Krisi]

It depends how you look at it.

You are absolutely right. The verb "to depend" always carries the preposition.

Looks to me this is an informal conversation. Can you tell us where you got it to make sure?

Yes in informal or friendly conversations on is commonly dropped.

I think there's no need for Xkalibur to tell us here where he got that sentence because that sentence is often used as an example when the question about depend(s)/depend(s) on is being raised in school.