There are many words in the English language that can be confusing; when you are whizzing through the content of the writing, it is easy to use the wrong spelling of a word and spell check won’t always pick it up!

The word dependent/dependant is one of those that nearly tripped me up recently so here is your quick guide:

Dependant

The word dependant refers to a person and is a noun.

A dependant is a person who is dependent on or who relies on someone else in order to live. (For example, a child is dependent on its parents. Therefore, a child is a dependant of its parents.)

Example:

·        All embassy staff and their dependants must be at the airport by 6 o’clock.

(The word dependants means spouses and children.)

Dependent

The word dependent is an adjective meaning contingent on, relying on, supported by or addicted to.
Example:

• The safety of the trip was weather dependent.
• She is dependent on chocolate; it gets her through the day.