Dependent and Dependant are two words that are often confused because they sound similar, but have different meanings. A dependent is someone who relies on another person for support, while a dependant is something that depends on something else for existence. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between these two words in more detail. We will also provide examples to help clarify their meanings.
What is Dependent?
Dependent is a term used in grammar to describe a word that cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent words must be attached to an independent clause in order to form a complete thought. There are three main types of dependent words: adjectives, nouns, and prepositions. Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns, providing further description. Nouns can function as either the subject or object of a sentence, depending on their placement. Prepositions are words that express relationships between other words in a sentence. Dependent words are an important part of grammar because they help to create complex and interesting sentences. Without them, language would be much more simplistic and dull.
What is Dependant?
Dependant is a term used in the United Kingdom to refer to someone who is financially supported by another person. The term can be used to refer to a child who is supported by their parent or guardian, or to an adult who is supported by their partner. Dependants are typically entitled to certain benefits, such as child benefits or housing benefit. In some cases, dependants may also be able to claim tax relief.
Difference between Dependent and Dependant
Dependent is an adjective that describes someone who relies on someone else for financial support or who is not able to live independently. Dependant is a noun that refers to a person who is financially dependent on someone else. Dependent and dependant are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference in meaning. Dependent describes the quality of being dependent, whereas dependant refers to the actual person who is dependent. In British English, the preferred spelling is dependant, but in American English, both spellings are used interchangeably. Dependent is more common in formal writing, whereas dependant is more common in everyday speech. Regardless of which spelling you choose, the meaning is clear: someone who cannot support themselves financially and rely on others for help.
Conclusion
The words dependent and dependant are often confused but have different meanings. A dependent is someone who relies on another person or thing for support, while a dependant is something that depends on another thing for its existence. In the context of grammar, a word can be either dependent or dependant, depending on which form it takes. For example, the verb depend is conjugated as depend (present tense), depended (past tense), and will depend (future tense). On the other hand, the verb dependant is only used in its gerund form (dependant), because it cannot take a direct object.
