be relied on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be relied on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the trustworthiness or dependability of a person, object, or system. Example: "This software can be relied on to perform consistently under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was a player who could be relied on, a defender of pedigree.

The Guardian - Sport

Macroscopic appearance of the ovary should not be relied on as an only basis.

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Because we were an essential service, one that could be relied on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Who could be relied on?

The New York Times - Arts

The slaves cannot be relied on as a native peasantry can be relied on.

The Economist

He always thought they couldn't be relied on.

The Guardian - Film

When I'm called to play, I can be relied on".

The Guardian - Sport

Life itself feels provisional, not to be relied on.

The Guardian - Books

Even labour cannot be relied on to remain at home.

The Economist

But his steady customers can be relied on.

The New York Times

I should be relied on in a situation like that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be relied on" when you want to emphasize the dependability or trustworthiness of a person, system, or object in fulfilling a specific role or function. For instance, "This software can be relied on for accurate data analysis."

Common error

While "be relied on" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "be contingent upon" or "be predicated on" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be relied on" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is capable of being trusted or depended upon. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be relied on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is dependable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that while generally acceptable, more sophisticated alternatives may be suitable for highly formal contexts. Considering phrases like "be depended upon", "be counted on", or "be trusted" can provide nuanced options for conveying reliability. It is a versatile phrase with wide acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be depended upon

Emphasizes the idea of someone or something providing support or assistance.

be counted on

Highlights the certainty of someone fulfilling a commitment or expectation.

be trusted

Focuses on the aspect of confidence and faith in someone's integrity or ability.

be assured of

Suggests a guarantee or certainty in the reliability of something.

be guaranteed

Implies a formal or explicit assurance of reliability.

be secured

Focuses on the idea of something being firmly established and reliable.

be safe to assume

Suggests that a particular outcome or behavior is highly probable.

be fairly certain

Indicates a high degree of confidence but acknowledges a slight possibility of uncertainty.

be a safe bet

Describes something with a high probability of success or reliability.

be a given

Implies something is so certain it can be taken for granted.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be relied on" is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that something or someone can be trusted or depended upon. For example, "The emergency generator can be relied on during power outages."

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

The phrases "be relied on" and "be depended on" are largely interchangeable. However, "be relied on" might carry a slightly stronger connotation of absolute certainty, while "be depended on" can also imply a need for support.

What are some alternatives to "be relied on"?

You can use alternatives such as "be counted on", "be trusted", or "be assured of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "can be relied on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "can be relied on" uses a modal verb ("can") followed by the passive form of "rely," indicating a potential or capability to be trusted or depended upon.