can be relied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be relied" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something or someone is trustworthy or dependable. Example: "This information can be relied upon for making important decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

President Obama's support can be relied upon.

The New York Times

When I'm called to play, I can be relied on".

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Opinion

None of those sources can be relied upon much longer.

The New York Times

He is writer who can be relied upon.

The Guardian - Books

But his steady customers can be relied on.

The New York Times

You get to know who can be relied upon.

Independent

However, neither of these conditions can be relied upon.

The Economist

Test results can be relied on to rise in some years and fall in others.

The New York Times

Alien, above all others recently, can be relied upon to do just that.

The Guardian - Film

"None of the data coming out of this Richardson lab can be relied on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the reliability of a source, follow "can be relied" with "on" or "upon". For example: "This data can be relied on for accuracy."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice when "can be relied" is part of a longer sentence. Active voice often makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be relied" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the ability to depend on someone or something. Ludwig, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, demonstrates that it often appears in contexts where trustworthiness and dependability are emphasized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be relied" is a common and grammatically sound expression indicating trustworthiness and dependability. Ludwig confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, understanding its nuances and potential for passive voice overuse can enhance writing clarity. Ludwig AI highlights its consistent use in emphasizing reliability, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is dependable

Focuses on the characteristic of being consistently reliable.

is trustworthy

Highlights the aspect of deserving trust and confidence.

is counted on

Emphasizes the act of depending on someone or something.

is depended upon

A more formal way of saying "is counted on".

can be trusted

Similar to "is trustworthy", but with a focus on the possibility of trust.

is faithful

Highlights loyalty and unwavering support.

is steadfast

Emphasizes firmness and unwavering commitment.

is guaranteed

Implies a certainty of performance or outcome.

is a sure thing

An idiomatic expression indicating a high probability of success or reliability.

is a safe bet

Similar to "is a sure thing", but with a focus on minimizing risk.

FAQs

What does "can be relied" mean?

The phrase "can be relied" means that someone or something is dependable, trustworthy, and able to be counted on to fulfill expectations or perform consistently.

How to use "can be relied" in a sentence?

You can use "can be relied" to describe a person, object, or piece of information that is trustworthy. For example, "This source "can be relied on" for accurate data."

What can I say instead of "can be relied"?

You can use alternatives like "is dependable", "is trustworthy", or "can be trusted", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be relied on" or "can be relied upon"?

Both "can be relied on" and "can be relied upon" are grammatically correct and interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality.