be reliant on

USAGE SUMMARY

"be reliant on" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It means to depend on or rely on something or someone. Example: I am heavily reliant on my morning coffee to wake me up. Our company's success is reliant on a strong marketing strategy. Children are often reliant on their parents for guidance and support.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The game can never be reliant on one person".

BBC

We have to be reliant on that.

The Guardian

"We didn't want to be reliant on handouts from charities," she said.

Independent

A Tory-led government would probably not just be reliant on the DUP, but Ukip, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in those environments, I'd be reliant on a generator that might spook the mule deer.

The New York Times

"The industry is facing a new paradigm where it can't be reliant on government support".

The New York Times

Sarah and her friends do not want to be reliant on benefits.

The Guardian

"We used to be reliant on electricity imports from Argentina, but now we export to them.

The Guardian

My parents told me: "You'll never make your own living; you'll always be reliant on us".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they have tended to be reliant on star striker Tim Cahill to score goals.

The Guardian - Sport

Regeneration is a long-term gain, it shouldn't be reliant on short-term market fluctuations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be reliant on", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being depended upon. For instance, "The project will be reliant on external funding" is clearer than "The project will be reliant on."

Common error

Avoid using "be reliant on" when you mean to express responsibility. Reliance indicates dependence, not accountability. For example, instead of saying "The manager is be reliant on the team's success", say "The manager is responsible for the team's success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reliant on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating dependence or reliance on something or someone. This phrase is commonly used to describe a state of needing support, resources, or assistance from an external source. Ludwig confirms this widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be reliant on" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to express dependence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its versatility across different registers. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being relied upon, and be careful not to confuse reliance with responsibility. Alternatives like "depend on" can be used for similar effect. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "be reliant on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

This is a direct synonym, indicating a need for something or someone.

be dependent on

This phrase emphasizes the condition of being supported or controlled by something else.

rest on

This suggests that something is based on or supported by something else.

hinge on

This suggests that something's outcome or success is determined by another factor.

count on

This implies trust and expectation that something will be available or reliable.

turn to

This implies seeking assistance or support from someone or something.

swear by

This indicates strong belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something.

be sustained by

This highlights the aspect of being maintained or supported over time by something.

be propped up by

This indicates that something is being artificially supported to prevent it from failing.

be at the mercy of

This suggests a lack of control and vulnerability to external factors.

FAQs

What does "be reliant on" mean?

The phrase "be reliant on" means to depend on or need something or someone for support, help, or success.

How can I use "be reliant on" in a sentence?

You can use "be reliant on" to describe a situation where one thing is dependent on another. For example, "The success of the business will be reliant on its marketing efforts."

What are some alternatives to "be reliant on"?

Some alternatives include "depend on", "hinge on", or "be dependent on", which all convey a similar meaning of dependence.

Is it better to say "be reliant on" or "depend on"?

Both "be reliant on" and "depend on" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "be reliant on" might sound slightly more formal in some contexts.