Word Usage
Mary W. Ng
June 26, 2009
dependant, dependent
Dependant or dependent (American spelling) means “someone who depends on you for financial support”. Dependent is an adjective meaning “not self-reliant”.
| Correct: | A dependant is the spouse or partner, child or parent of the employee. |
| Correct: | A dependent is the spouse or partner, child or parent of the employee. |
| Incorrect: | Our town’s tax base is too dependant on residential properties. |
| Correct: | Our town’s tax base is too dependent on residential properties. |