be reliable

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase 'be reliable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a person being dependable or a source of information being trustworthy. For example, "He's always been reliable and I can count on him to get the job done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Must be reliable and comfy.

Independent

"They will be reliable".

The New Yorker

But the income would be reliable.

The New York Times

And people expect utilities to be reliable.

The Economist

The Superformula appeared to be reliable.

The New Yorker

Dillon Gee proved to be reliable.

The New York Times - Sports

Our instincts may not always be reliable.

The Economist

And that would not be reliable anyway.

The New York Times

They simply need him to be reliable.

The New York Times - Sports

America is going to be reliable again.

The New York Times

You must be reliable and on time.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of fulfilling obligations, use "be reliable" to highlight the consistency and dependability expected in a given situation.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of "be reliable". Instead, use synonyms such as "ensure dependability" or "maintain consistency" to achieve a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reliable" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a subject, indicating a quality or characteristic of that subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Unknown/unmatched sources

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be reliable" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that emphasizes the importance of dependability and trustworthiness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. It functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate its consistent and dependable nature. This phrase is prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases include "be dependable" and "be trustworthy". When writing, it's best to remember that while "be reliable" is suitable for a variety of situations, it can be overused in formal contexts; therefore, you should consider using synonyms to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be dependable

Focuses more on the ability to be counted on for support or assistance.

be trustworthy

Emphasizes the quality of deserving trust and confidence.

be counted on

Focuses on the ability to be relied upon in times of need.

be dependable on

This alternative is grammatically correct but uses other terms that have the same meaning.

be consistent

Highlights the uniformity and predictability of behavior or performance.

be responsible

Stresses the sense of duty and accountability.

be steadfast

Implies unwavering loyalty and commitment.

be faithful

Highlights loyalty and adherence to commitments or principles.

be a sure thing

Indicates a high degree of certainty and predictability.

be a rock

Uses a metaphor to describe someone who provides stability and support.

FAQs

How can I use "be reliable" in a sentence?

You can use "be reliable" to describe someone or something that is dependable and trustworthy. For example, "It is important to "be reliable" in your professional relationships".

What's the difference between "be reliable" and "be trustworthy"?

"Be reliable" focuses on consistency and dependability in actions and performance, while "be trustworthy" emphasizes honesty and integrity. You can say, "be trustworthy" to mean being honest.

Which is more appropriate, "be reliable" or "be dependable"?

Both "be reliable" and "be dependable" are very similar and can often be used interchangeably. "Be dependable" focuses a bit more on needing support.

What are some situations where it's important to "be reliable"?

It's essential to "be reliable" in various contexts, such as fulfilling work commitments, maintaining personal relationships, and providing accurate information. Being reliable helps to build trust and maintain stability in these situations.