Rested on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Rested on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is supported by or relies on something else, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The success of the project rested on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His revolver rested on a dresser.

The New Yorker

His fame rested on solid personal achievements.

The Guardian - Books

A gleaming Streamliner rested on his desk.

The New Yorker

Offstage, her hands rested on showgirls' knees.

The New Yorker

Feminism rested on the principle of equality.

The New Yorker

These hopes rested on America.

The Guardian

Right humerus rested on top of headrest.

Harvard University

This conclusion rested on two premises.

Cornell University

Alabama's land rush rested on expensive cotton.

The Economist

"We rested on our laurels," Rexach remembers.

The Guardian - Sport

His head rested on the instrument.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rested on" to clearly indicate that an idea, decision, or physical object relies on a specific foundation or support. Ensure the relationship between the subject and the foundation is logical and evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "rested on" when the relationship is merely associative or coincidental, instead of directly foundational. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact; consider synonyms like "relied on" or "depended on" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rested on" functions as a verb phrase indicating dependence or reliance. Ludwig shows that it is frequently used to express that a concept, decision, or object is supported by or contingent upon something else. The examples show a wide range of contexts where this phrase is appropriately applied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rested on" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey reliance or dependence. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia. When using this phrase, ensure a clear and logical connection between the subject and its supporting element, and be mindful of potential overuse by exploring synonyms such as "relied on" or "depended on" to enhance clarity and variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depended upon

Replaces "rested on" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing reliance.

relied on

A more common and direct synonym for "rested on", indicating dependence.

was contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of the relationship, where one thing is dependent on another.

hinged on

Emphasizes that something crucial or pivotal depended on the specified factor.

was predicated on

Indicates that something was based or founded on a particular assumption or condition.

was based on

A general phrase indicating that something was founded or established on a particular basis.

stemmed from

Indicates that something originated or derived from a specific source or cause.

arose from

Similar to "stemmed from", suggesting that something emerged or originated from a particular cause.

was supported by

Focuses on the aspect of providing support or validation for something.

was underpinned by

Suggests that something was supported or reinforced by a fundamental basis or principle.

FAQs

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

"Rested on" indicates that something is supported by or relies on something else. For example, "The company's success "depended upon" innovation" or "His argument "relied on" historical evidence."

What are some alternatives to "rested on"?

You can use alternatives such as "relied on", "depended on", "was based on", or "hinged on" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "Everything rested on his shoulders"?

Yes, the phrase "Everything rested on his shoulders" is a correct and idiomatic expression. It means that the success or failure of something depended entirely on him.

What's the difference between "rested on" and "based on"?

"Rested on" often implies a more direct and immediate reliance, whereas "based on" suggests a foundational or underlying principle. For instance, "The decision "rested on" the evidence presented", while "The theory "was based on" years of research".