can rely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can rely on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing trust or dependence on someone or something for support or assistance. Example: "In times of crisis, we can rely on our friends to help us through difficult situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one can rely on their local banks.

BBC

"They're the only ones you can rely on".

The Guardian

Preferably ones you know well and can rely on.

WikiHow

Sure, you can rely on Social Darwinism.

The New Yorker

"But we can rely on each other.

The New York Times

Conversely, the militias can rely on thousands.

The New York Times

They want someone they can rely on.

The New Yorker

Lenders need borrowers they can rely on.

The New York Times

We can rely on our partners".

The New York Times - Tech

You can rely on that".

The New York Times

You can rely on Shell.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can rely on", ensure that the subject you are relying on is clearly defined and understood by your audience. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid overstating the degree to which you "can rely on" something. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and undermine your credibility. Qualify your statement if necessary to reflect a more nuanced reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can rely on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the ability to trust or depend on someone or something for support, assistance, or expected behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. The provided examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can rely on" is a versatile and widely used expression denoting trust and dependence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it frequently appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources, highlighting its broad applicability. While synonyms like "can depend on" and "can count on" exist, "can rely on" often conveys a slightly stronger sense of assurance. When employing this phrase, clarity and realistic expectations are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can depend on

Replaces "rely" with "depend", maintaining near-identical meaning and interchangeability.

can count on

Substitutes "rely" with "count", offering a slightly more informal tone while preserving the core sense of assurance.

can trust in

Emphasizes the element of trust associated with the action, rather than pure reliance.

can have faith in

Highlights the aspect of believing in the capability or dependability of someone or something.

can bank on

Introduces a more colloquial expression, suggesting a high degree of certainty and confidence.

can be assured of

Shifts the focus to the feeling of certainty and confidence one possesses.

can be certain of

Similar to "can be assured of", but places more emphasis on the factual or objective nature of the confidence.

can swear by

Implies a strong, almost unwavering belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something.

can swear to

Indicates giving a solemn or sincere declaration of support.

can take for granted

Suggests such reliability it can sometimes be overlooked or not fully appreciated.

FAQs

How to use "can rely on" in a sentence?

You can use "can rely on" to express confidence in someone or something. For example, "In times of crisis, we "can rely on" our community for support".

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

You can use alternatives like "can depend on", "can count on", or "can trust in depending on the context".

Which is correct, "can rely on" or "can rely in"?

"Can rely on" is the correct phrasing. The preposition "on" is essential to convey the meaning of dependence or trust. "Can rely in" is grammatically incorrect and not idiomatic.

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

While ""can rely on"" and "can depend on" are largely interchangeable, "rely" often suggests a slightly stronger sense of confidence and assurance, whereas "depend" can sometimes imply a more general reliance.