Relied on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Relied on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing dependence or trust in someone or something for support or assistance. Example: "She relied on her friends for emotional support during difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead it has relied on macroprudential policies.

The Economist

I relied on him.

The New York Times

It relied on rumors".

The New York Times

Some people relied on sarcasm.

The New York Times

Instead, they relied on narrative.

The New Yorker

They relied on existing strength".

The New York Times

They often relied on I.Q.

The New York Times

We relied on his word.

The New York Times - Sports

We relied on his commitment.

The New York Times - Sports

"People relied on those ratings.

The New Yorker

But I relied on him for everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relied on", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being depended upon and why. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "relied on" interchangeably with phrases that have subtle differences in meaning. For example, while "depended on" is similar, it can imply a more critical or necessary reliance. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relied on" functions as a verb phrase indicating dependence or trust in someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relied on" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate dependence or trust in someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and widely used, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being depended upon. While alternatives like "depended on" and "counted on" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig’s examples illustrate, "relied on" is a reliable choice for expressing reliance in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Depended on

Indicates a strong reliance, similar to "relied on", but often implies a more critical or necessary dependence.

Relied upon

A more formal synonym for "relied on", suitable for academic or professional writing.

Counted on

Suggests a confident expectation that someone or something will fulfill a need or promise.

Leaned on

Implies seeking support or comfort from someone or something, often during a difficult time.

Placed confidence in

A formal way of expressing trust and reliance on someone or something.

Trusted in

Highlights the aspect of faith or confidence placed in someone or something.

Had faith in

Emphasizes the belief and trust in the reliability or ability of someone or something.

Banked on

Suggests placing a significant degree of certainty or expectation on a particular outcome or action.

Rested on

Implies that something is based or founded on something else.

Took for granted

Implies reliance to the point where the thing relied upon is not fully appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "relied on" in a sentence?

You can use "relied on" to indicate dependence or trust in something or someone. For example, "She "relied on" her friends for emotional support" or "The company "relied on" data for its decision-making process".

What's the difference between "relied on" and "depended on"?

While both phrases express dependence, "depended on" often suggests a more critical or necessary reliance. "Relied on" can be used in broader contexts where the dependence is not necessarily crucial for survival or success.

What can I say instead of "relied on"?

You can use alternatives like "depended on", "counted on", or "trusted in" depending on the context.

Is "relied on" formal or informal?

"Relied on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, "relied upon" is a more formal synonym that may be preferred in academic or professional writing.