bank on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bank on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are depending on something to happen, or you are assuming with a fair degree of confidence that something will happen. For example: "I'm banking on the weather staying nice this weekend for our picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bank on it.

The New York Times

Don't bank on it.

The Economist

We can't bank on anything.

Independent

You wouldn't bank on it.

Independent

I wouldn't bank on it.

The Economist

But don't bank on it.

Independent

Do not bank on it.

The New York Times - Sports

It's something you can bank on".

The New York Times - Sports

For good? Don't bank on it.

The Economist

Bank on that.

The Guardian - Opinion

But don't bank on that being realised.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bank on" when you want to express a strong degree of certainty or reliance on something. For example, "You can "bank on" the sun rising tomorrow".

Common error

While "bank on" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. In such settings, consider alternatives like "depend on" or "rely on" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bank on" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating reliance or dependence on something. Ludwig AI examples show it used to express confidence in an outcome or expectation, such as "You can "bank on" a few certainties on Sunday".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bank on" is a common phrasal verb used to express confidence or reliance on something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to consider the formality of your writing when using this phrase, as alternatives like "depend on" may be more suitable for professional settings. Remember that the best way to "bank on" success in writing is to understand the nuances of each phrase and use them appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

This alternative directly replaces "bank on" with a more common synonym, focusing on reliance.

rely on

Similar to "depend on", this option emphasizes trust and dependence.

count on

This suggests a strong expectation that something will happen or someone will act in a certain way.

trust in

Focuses on the aspect of having faith or confidence in something.

have faith in

This alternative highlights the belief that something will occur as expected.

be certain of

Indicates a high degree of confidence or assurance.

be confident in

Similar to "be certain of", but can also refer to confidence in a person's abilities.

take for granted

This implies assuming something will happen without any doubt.

place reliance on

A more formal way of expressing dependence.

rest assured of

This phrase provides reassurance that something is guaranteed.

FAQs

How to use "bank on" in a sentence?

You can use "bank on" to express your reliance or certainty about something. For example, "I'm banking on you to finish the project on time", meaning you are confident that the person will meet the deadline.

What can I say instead of "bank on"?

You can use alternatives like "depend on", "rely on", or "count on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bank on it"?

Yes, "bank on it" is a common and correct way to emphasize your certainty about something. For instance, if someone asks, "Will the team win?" you can reply, "Bank on it!".

What's the difference between "bank on" and "hope for"?

"Bank on" implies a strong degree of certainty and reliance, whereas "hope for" expresses a desire for something to happen, without any guarantee. You "bank on" something you feel sure about, but you "hope for" something that is less certain.