be relied upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be relied upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the idea of trusting in or having confidence in someone or something. For example, "The team leader was someone who could always be relied upon to make sound decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These figures are not to be relied upon, though.

The New Yorker

Here, the pollsters cannot be relied upon.

The Economist

It is not to be relied upon.

Independent

President Obama's support can be relied upon.

The New York Times

Men couldn't be relied upon, love couldn't be relied upon, but jewels and money sure could.

The Guardian - Music

Unfortunately, this stability can no longer be relied upon.

The Guardian

It can't be relied upon as a systematic, everyday thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

On this, Clegg can be relied upon to play ball.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is writer who can be relied upon.

The Guardian - Books

None of those sources can be relied upon much longer.

The New York Times

Patel was told "your integrity cannot be relied upon".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be relied upon", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the relying. The phrase often benefits from specifying the subject for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be relied upon" in contexts where the subject doing the relying is unclear or implied. Explicitly state who is relying on whom or what to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be relied upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is capable of being trusted or depended on. It shifts the focus from the actor to the recipient of the action, as seen in the Ludwig examples where various entities "can be relied upon" for specific purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be relied upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that conveys dependability and trustworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its positive sentiment and usability. It's commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating who or what is doing the relying. While highly useful for emphasizing reliability, "be relied upon" is generally more formal, so consider the context when choosing between it and the active voice "rely on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be counted on

Focuses on the assurance that someone will fulfill a responsibility or be available when needed.

be trusted

Emphasizes the confidence placed in someone's integrity or ability to act responsibly.

be depended on

Similar to "be relied upon", but highlights the idea of needing support or assistance.

be assured of

Stresses the certainty and guarantee associated with something or someone.

be confident in

Highlights the feeling of assurance and faith in something's reliability.

be sure of

Indicates a state of certainty regarding someone's actions or abilities.

be safe to assume

Suggests a reasonable expectation based on available evidence or past behavior.

be predictable

Emphasizes the consistency and expected behavior of someone or something.

be taken for granted

Although it can also have negative connotations, in certain contexts, it implies a very high degree of certainty and expectation.

be anticipated

Focuses on the expectation that something will occur or someone will act in a certain way.

FAQs

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

You can use "be relied upon" to indicate that someone or something is dependable or trustworthy. For example, "The team leader can "be relied upon" to make sound decisions."

What are some alternatives to "be relied upon"?

Some alternatives include "be counted on", "be trusted", or "be depended on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be relied upon" or "rely on"?

While both are correct, "be relied upon" is in the passive voice, while "rely on" is in the active voice. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the object being relied upon or the subject doing the relying. For example, "You can "rely on" him" (active) versus "He can "be relied upon" by you" (passive).

In what contexts is "be relied upon" most appropriate?

"Be relied upon" is appropriate in formal writing and professional settings where you need to convey dependability and trustworthiness. News articles and academic papers commonly use this phrase.