Dependent vs Dependant
The Americans really have life easy. They can omit letters when they spell, can spell certain words differently, and in today's lesson, we learn that they can even use the same spelling for two forms of the same word.
In American English, dependent can be used both as a noun and as an adjective. In British English (which Singaporeans use), the spelling is different.
Dependent is used as an adjective, to mean "reliant on something or someone, whether for aid or as a crutch". One can find himself dependent on drugs to kill pain, or dependent on someone because of their lack of emotional strength.
Dependant is used as a noun, to mean "a person who is dependent on someone else". This word is used very often by expatriates, as we bring along with us our wife and children as dependants, those who do not generate their own income but depends on us.
So here we are, another lesson from your friendly neighbourhood English teacher!
In American English, dependent can be used both as a noun and as an adjective. In British English (which Singaporeans use), the spelling is different.
Dependent is used as an adjective, to mean "reliant on something or someone, whether for aid or as a crutch". One can find himself dependent on drugs to kill pain, or dependent on someone because of their lack of emotional strength.
Dependant is used as a noun, to mean "a person who is dependent on someone else". This word is used very often by expatriates, as we bring along with us our wife and children as dependants, those who do not generate their own income but depends on us.
So here we are, another lesson from your friendly neighbourhood English teacher!
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