can be counted on

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "can be counted on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something can be relied upon. Example sentence: He is a reliable person and can be counted on to fulfill his promises.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some things can be counted on like the sun setting in the West.

Huffington Post

Instead, they can be counted on one hand.

The New York Times

The company he is in can be counted on one person's fingers and toes.

The Guardian - Music

At the moment, the great thinkers of TV can be counted on one hand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Senior development specialists in the Treasury can be counted on one hand.

The Economist

His victory total this season can be counted on one finger.

The New York Times

By his count, the executives fitting those criteria can be counted on one hand.

Forbes

The amount of bars not chock full of tourists or video poker machines can be counted on one hand.

Vice

But one thing can be counted on.

BBC

The one thing Robinson can be counted on to resist is received wisdom.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sometimes, the most compelling media have audiences that can be counted on one hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be counted on" when you want to emphasize the reliability or dependability of a person, object, or system. It implies a sense of trust and predictability.

Common error

While "can be counted on" is acceptable, consider using active voice alternatives like "we trust" or "you can rely on" to create more direct and engaging sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be counted on" functions as a passive construction indicating reliability or dependability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys that someone or something can be trusted. Examples show its use in describing people, systems, and even natural phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be counted on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express reliability and dependability. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for general use. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, though it's also present in scientific and academic writing. While the phrase is generally acceptable, consider using active voice alternatives for more direct communication. Remember to use "can be counted on" to emphasize trust and predictability effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be relied upon

Replaces "counted on" with "relied upon", maintaining a very similar meaning.

can be depended on

Uses "depended on" instead of "counted on", conveying the same sense of trust and reliance.

can be trusted

Focuses on the element of trust, indicating that someone or something is worthy of confidence.

is trustworthy

Shifts from a passive construction to an adjective describing a quality of being reliable.

is dependable

Similar to "is trustworthy", but uses the adjective "dependable".

is reliable

Offers a direct, concise way to express that someone or something is consistent and dependable.

is a safe bet

Employs a more idiomatic expression, suggesting that something is a reliable choice or outcome.

is a sure thing

Another idiomatic expression that conveys a high level of certainty and reliability.

is certain

Expresses a high degree of confidence or inevitability.

is guaranteed

Indicates that something is assured or promised, often with a formal backing.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be counted on" to describe something or someone reliable. For example, "She "can be counted on" to deliver results".

What's a more formal alternative to "can be counted on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "can be relied upon" or "is dependable".

Which is correct, "can be counted on" or "could be counted on"?

"Can be counted on" implies present or future reliability, while "could be counted on" refers to past reliability or a conditional situation. Choose the one that fits the intended timeframe.

What's the difference between "can be counted on" and "can count on"?

"Can be counted on" is a passive construction emphasizing the subject's reliability. "Can count on" is active, emphasizing that someone can rely on the subject.