can count on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can count on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express reliance or trust in someone or something. Example: "You can always count on me to support you during tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's what you can count on, as much as you can count on anything".

The New York Times

The ones they can count on.

Huffington Post

That's one thing we can count on.

The Guardian

You can count on us.

The Guardian

You can count on them".

The New York Times - Books

You can count on it.

The Economist

"They can count on Europe".

The New York Times

"You can count on me.

The New York Times

"You can count on that".

The New York Times

Oh, you can count on that.

The New Yorker

You can count on us to fight".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can count on" to express confidence in someone's reliability or the certainty of an event. For example, "You can count on me to be there for you" conveys a strong promise of support.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can count on" in situations where a guarantee is impossible. Instead of saying "You can count on winning the lottery", which is unrealistic, focus on situations where reliability is reasonably assured, such as "You can count on me to give my best effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can count on" functions as a verb phrase expressing reliance or dependability. It signifies that someone or something is reliable and trustworthy. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of this usage, showing its established presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can count on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express reliability and dependability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to assure and convey confidence. While interchangeable with alternatives like "can rely on" and "can depend on", it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding guarantees where reliability cannot be assured. This phrase has a neutral register, making it versatile for various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can rely upon

More formal alternative, emphasizing trust and dependence.

can depend on

A direct synonym, highlighting the ability to trust and rely.

can bank on

More informal, suggesting confidence and certainty.

can trust

Focuses solely on the aspect of trust and belief in someone or something.

can be sure of

Emphasizes the certainty and confidence in a particular outcome or action.

can rest assured

Offers reassurance and a sense of security.

can take it to the bank

An idiom indicating absolute certainty and reliability.

can take for granted

Suggests something is so reliable it can be assumed without question, though sometimes carries a slightly negative connotation of undervaluing.

can be certain of

Highlights the level of assurance one has about something.

can anticipate

Focuses on expecting something to happen, rather than relying on someone.

FAQs

How do I use "can count on" in a sentence?

Use "can count on" to indicate that someone or something is reliable or dependable. For example, "You "can count on" the sun rising every morning" or "I know I "can count on" her to keep my secret".

What can I say instead of "can count on"?

You can use alternatives like "can rely on", "can depend on", or "can bank on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can count on" or "can count with"?

"Can count on" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Can count with" is not a standard English phrase and should be avoided.

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

While both ""can count on"" and "can depend on" express reliance, "can count on" may suggest a slightly more personal or informal relationship, whereas "can depend on" can be used in more formal or general contexts. However, they are largely interchangeable.