Grammar fix

hinge on

depend critically on

To depend completely or be determined by a particular factor, decision, or condition.

phrasal verbC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

Whether we go ahead with the trip really hinges on the weather forecast.work
In my opinion, the success of any educational reform hinges on the commitment of both teachers and students to adapt to new methods.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: hinge on + noun/gerund

WrongEverything hinges in the result.

RightEverything hinges on the result.

It's 'hinge ON something', not 'in'.

Patternhinge on + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The entire outcome is contingent upon this single decision.

Natural The whole thing hinges on this one decision.

'Hinge on' vividly says 'depends entirely on'; 'contingent upon' is legalistic.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

hinge on
oneverythingthe outcomelargely

Don't confuse it

'Depend on' can be used for general reliance, but 'hinge on' stresses that everything depends on one main thing. For example, 'The project depends on funding' (general), but 'The project's success hinges on getting the grant' (the grant is the crucial factor).

Try it in Daily Speak →