can be counted upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be counted upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express reliability or trustworthiness regarding a person or thing. Example: "In times of crisis, true friends are those who can be counted upon to support you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And complain though they might, domestic banks can be counted upon to lap up the debt.

The Economist

It is not as if all-London FA Cup finals can be counted upon to produce riveting contests; few have done so to date.

The Guardian - Sport

He wields the names as if counting what can be counted upon after months of ghostly displacement by illness and institutions.

The New York Times - Books

If the unemployment rate remains at about the 10 percent level, the United States can be counted upon to protest before long.

The New York Times

The Racing Association's powerful board members, including many high-profile campaign donors, can be counted upon to use their influence in the Capitol to steer the deal their way.

The New York Times

But in the case of counterterrorism the laboratory approach can't be made to scan neatly, because there isn't a logic that can be counted upon to apply in all cases.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But as we saw above, evolutionary psychologists and behavioral ecologists can both call themselves adaptationist but their particular approach to adaptationism dictates the range of hypotheses that they can generate, the range of traits that can be counted as adaptations and impacts upon the way in which hypotheses are tested.

SEP

Costs can be counted in many denominations.

The New Yorker

PROGRESS can be counted in many ways.

The New York Times

As the sign pinned up in his Princeton office announced: "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts".

The Guardian - Music

This can be counted progress.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be counted upon", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is providing the reliable support or action. For example, "In a crisis, friends can be counted upon for emotional support."

Common error

While "can be counted upon" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing the sentence in active voice for a more impactful statement if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be counted upon" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating reliability or dependability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples show its use in various contexts, expressing confidence in individuals, institutions, or even abstract concepts to fulfill expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be counted upon" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to convey reliability and dependability. As verified by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in News & Media contexts, indicating its acceptance in formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding the subject's role in providing support. Remember, while this phrase is acceptable, avoid overusing passive voice to keep your writing engaging. Alternatives like "can be relied upon" or "is dependable", may offer stylistic variations to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be relied upon

Replaces "counted" with "relied", emphasizing dependence on someone or something.

can be depended on

Substitutes "counted" with "depended", highlighting the ability to trust in a person or thing.

is dependable

Changes the structure to an adjective, focusing on the characteristic of being trustworthy.

is reliable

Similar to "is dependable", this uses an adjective to describe the quality of trustworthiness.

can be trusted

Emphasizes the aspect of trust, suggesting confidence in someone's actions or character.

is guaranteed

Implies a certainty that something will occur or someone will perform as expected.

is a safe bet

Suggests that relying on someone or something carries minimal risk of failure or disappointment.

is a sure thing

Conveys a high degree of certainty and predictability.

is certain

Focuses on the assurance that something will happen or is true.

is predictable

Highlights the consistency and expected behavior of a person or thing.

FAQs

What does "can be counted upon" mean?

The phrase "can be counted upon" means that someone or something is reliable and dependable. You can trust them to do what is expected or needed.

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

Use "can be counted upon" when you want to express that someone or something is trustworthy and will consistently deliver. For example: "Good neighbors "can be relied upon" in times of need."

What are some alternatives to "can be counted upon"?

Alternatives include "can be relied upon", "can be depended on", "is dependable", or "is reliable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "can be counted upon" or "can be relied upon"?

Both "can be counted upon" and "can be relied upon" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation. Both phrases convey the idea of trustworthiness and dependability.