being reliant on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being reliant on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing dependence or reliance on something or someone. Example: "Being reliant on public transportation can be challenging in a city with limited options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Imagine, if you are a man, not being reliant on one wife for the efficient multiplication of your genes, but on a battalion, young, old, tall, short, chatty, taciturn, good at cooking, great at scrubbing floors, whatever, and without even having to start an extreme religious cult in Utah to reap these benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is in everyone's economic interest to avoid Ukraine being reliant on any one country, which is why it needs a range of partners who will provide assistance in the interests of the Ukrainian economy, rather than returning to reliance on Russia alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hemiplegic users are particularly vulnerable to upper limb injury and pain [ 5, 6] because of being reliant on only one arm for propulsion.

BioMed Research International

The conservatives complained about depictions of Ronald Reagan as being insensitive to AIDS victims, and that Nancy Reagan was shown as being reliant on a personal astrologer.

The New York Times - Arts

Under the proposals, rail passengers will be able to get online via equipment installed alongside the track instead of being reliant on a satellite signal.

The Guardian

Salman's increased support for Sunni rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria is another example of the kingdom no longer being reliant on the United States.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The game can never be reliant on one person".

BBC

We next assessed if Clu or dGRASP are reliant on one another for their perinuclear localization.

Biology Open

"Midwives are reliant on unsocial hours payments.

Independent

We have to be reliant on that.

The Guardian

I really am reliant on the whole team.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the object following the preposition "on" is the resource or entity providing the support.

Common error

Avoid using the noun "reliance" immediately after the gerund "being" as in "being reliance on". This is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use the adjective "reliant" or rephrase to "having a reliance on" if the noun form is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""being reliant on"" functions as a gerund phrase that typically acts as a subject, object or a circumstantial modifier. According to Ludwig, it allows writers to describe a state of existence characterized by a specific dependency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""being reliant on"" is a versatile and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe various forms of dependency. Ludwig AI data shows a high frequency of use in authoritative news sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, particularly when discussing economic vulnerability, technological requirements and social welfare. It is a more formal alternative to "depending on" and is preferred in academic and professional writing to denote a structural or necessary reliance. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with the noun-based error "being reliance on" and should ensure that the object of the reliance follows the preposition "on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on

Uses a more general and common verb that is suitable for both informal and formal contexts.

being dependent on

Suggests a more absolute, structural or sometimes clinical necessity compared to reliance.

relying on

Removes the state-of-being auxiliary, focusing directly on the ongoing action of trust or usage.

hinging on

Emphasizes that a specific outcome or existence rests entirely on a single factor.

counting on

Adds a nuance of expectation or anticipation of support from the object.

contingent on

Stresses that the subject's status is conditional and varies based on the object's performance.

tied to

Highlights a fixed or inextricable connection between the subject and the resource.

bank on

A more idiomatic and informal expression often used to describe financial or strategic expectations.

subject to

Indicates being under the control, power or influence of another entity.

anchored in

Implies a deep-seated reliance where the subject finds its stability in the object.

FAQs

How to use "being reliant on" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a state of dependency, for example: ""being reliant on" public transport can be difficult in rural areas" or "The company's success is currently "being reliant on" a single major contract".

What can I say instead of "being reliant on"?

Common alternatives include "depending on", "relying on" or "being dependent on".

Is "being reliant on" formal?

Yes, while it is common in everyday speech, ""being reliant on"" is highly professional and frequently appears in academic journals and news outlets. If you require even greater formality, consider "contingent upon".

What is the difference between "being reliant on" and "being dependent on"?

Both indicate a need for something, but "being dependent on" often implies a more fundamental or involuntary necessity, while ""being reliant on"" can sometimes suggest a functional choice or an established habit.