become reliant on

USAGE SUMMARY

"become reliant on" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to become dependent on something or someone. This phrase can be used when describing a situation where someone or something has started to rely heavily on something else for support, assistance, or success. Example: After losing his job, John became reliant on his savings to support his family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The answer is that the Clyde yards, which in their glory days sent thousands of ships across the globe, have become reliant on one customer: the British military.

BBC

Mugabe also accused other African countries of becoming more tolerant of homosexuality because they have become reliant on European countries for aid and support.

HuffPost

I think people become reliant on coffee.

The Guardian - Music

I didn't want to become reliant on sleeping tablets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have become reliant on digital information for communication, commerce, and entertainment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some countries, such as Spain, have become reliant on rises in house prices.

The Economist

And we have become reliant on private housebuilders in recent times.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

As their coalition was one vote short of majority, however, Mr Oresharski's new government became reliant on the ultra-nationalist Ataka party.

The Economist

All the major Socialist institutions became reliant on government willingness not to repress them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In order to survive, the movement became reliant on secrecy and a strict hierarchy.

The Guardian

Then, millions of women, many with dependent children, suddenly became reliant on the state.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of dependence when using this phrase; it can sometimes imply a lack of self-sufficiency or over-dependence.

Common error

Avoid using "become reliant on" when a milder form of assistance or collaboration is more accurate. Overstating the degree of dependence can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become reliant on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition into a state of dependence. It signifies that a subject has started to depend on something or someone for support, assistance, or resources, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become reliant on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of developing a dependence on something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the examples highlight its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to consider the implications of dependence and ensure its use accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "grow dependent on" or "start depending on" may offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase occurs most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow dependent on

Focuses on the process of developing reliance.

start depending on

Emphasizes the initiation of dependence.

find oneself needing

Highlights the discovery of a need.

be reduced to depending on

Suggests a less desirable state of needing something.

be forced to depend on

Highlights the element of compulsion.

have to turn to

Suggests seeking help from another source.

be sustained by

Emphasizes the supportive aspect of reliance.

hinge on

Indicates that something is entirely dependent on something else.

rest on

Implies that something relies on a foundation or support.

be at the mercy of

Highlights the vulnerability of dependence.

FAQs

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

You can use "become reliant on" to describe a state of dependence. For example, "The company has "become reliant on" overseas markets for its revenue."

What are some alternatives to "become reliant on"?

Alternatives include "grow dependent on", "start depending on", or "find oneself needing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "dependent" or "reliant"?

"Reliant" often carries a slightly more positive connotation than "dependent", suggesting a strategic choice to rely on something. "Dependent" can sometimes imply a more involuntary or negative reliance.

Can "become reliant on" have negative implications?

Yes, it can, particularly if the reliance creates a vulnerability or limits options. It suggests a lack of self-sufficiency, such as when someone has "become reliant on" government assistance.