Lesson 52 – Common English Chunks – It Depends On and That Depends

🔊 Audio Learning

Ready to read.

📝 Daily Short Practice

⬜ Fill in the Blanks

⬜ Matching

⬜ Multiple Choice

⬜ Writing Practice

0 / 4 completed

🎯 Vocabulary Goal

Practise common English chunks for giving flexible answers in conversations.

📚 Words & Phrases

Word or phrase	Simple meaning	Example
it depends on	the result or decision changes because of something else	Whether we go out tonight it depends on the weather.
that depends	a short way to say the result changes based on different things	Are you going to the party? That depends on my work schedule.

🔍 See It in Context

Talking about decisions with 'It depends on' and 'That depends'

Anna asked Tim if he wants to travel next month. Tim said, "It depends on my budget." Anna understood that his answer could change. Then Tim asked Anna if she liked the new restaurant. She replied, "That depends. If they have vegetarian options, I will try it." They both used these phrases to explain that their answers change depending on different things.

💡 Notice the Pattern

Difference between 'It depends on' and 'That depends'

'It depends on' introduces the subject or situation you are talking about. 'That depends' is a shorter reply that refers to the whole idea someone just mentioned.

It depends on the day whether I go running.
Are you free tomorrow? That depends.

💬 Useful Examples

I can help you move, but it depends on the time.
That depends if the meeting finishes early.
Buying a new phone it depends on the price and features.
Will you join us for dinner? That depends on how late I work.

✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

1.
The answer is simple: ____ the results of the test (it depends on / that depends / make a decision).

2.
____ on my work schedule (It depends on / That depends / Make a decision).

3.
The travel date is not fixed; ____ the weather forecast (that depends / make progress / it depends on).

4.
Are you going to accept the job? ____ on the salary (that depends / it depends on / make a payment).

5.
She said she will join us, but ____ on whether she finishes her work (it depends on / that depends / take responsibility for).

🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching

1.
It depends on

2.
That depends

3.
I am free on Saturday. That depends.

4.
It depends on the weather.

5.
Can you come? That depends on my work.

Options:

a.
My decision depends on my job schedule.
b.
the result changes because of something
c.
a short way to say the answer changes
d.
My answer changes depending on the situation.
e.
The activity will change because of the weather.

✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice

1.
Which phrase means your answer changes because of different conditions?

2.
Choose the phrase used as a short reply meaning the answer varies.

3.
Fill in: 'Will you travel tomorrow?' '____ on the weather.'

4.
What does 'That depends' usually refer to?

5.
How do we use 'It depends on' in a sentence?

📝 Use It Yourself

Write 2–3 sentences using 'it depends on' or 'that depends' to explain your decision about something.

Example:
I will go to the gym tomorrow. It depends on how I feel after work. If I am not tired, I will go.

🎙️ Speaking Practice

Practice these sentences aloud.

Say:
It depends on the weather if I go outside today.

Say:
That depends on what time the meeting ends.

Ask:
Does your decision depend on the price?

Say:
I said that depends because I am not sure about my schedule.

🔎 Answer Key

Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks

1. it depends on

2. That depends

3. it depends on

4. that depends

5. that depends

Exercise 2 – Matching

1. b – the result changes because of something

2. c – a short way to say the answer changes

3. d – My answer changes depending on the situation.

4. e – The activity will change because of the weather.

5. a – My decision depends on my job schedule.

Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice