cannot be counted on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be counted on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that cannot be reliably relied upon or trusted. For example, you could say "He is unreliable and cannot be counted on to keep his promises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even the one strength that has helped the Yankees defy their struggles with run differential, a sterling 24-15 record in one-run games, cannot be counted on down the stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

Epstein acknowledges that this run of luck cannot be counted on again.

The New Yorker

However, the share price looks up with events, and the support of low interest rates cannot be counted on forever.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Bradley's assertion that Mr. Gore cannot be counted on to tell the truth does point up the vice president's habit of exaggerating and revising his record.

The New York Times

The harried waitresses cannot be counted on to give a complete rundown of the dishes, so take a moment to survey the wares and don't hesitate to ask questions.

The New York Times - Arts

Family support cannot be counted on forever".

Forbes

And while a damaging report from special counsel Robert Mueller could bring on impeachment proceedings or even a sudden resignation, such circumstances cannot be counted on by potential challengers, Cardenas agreed.

HuffPost

But given the profusion of political parties in Brazil, evangelical Christians spread out their loyalties and cannot be counted on to vote as one unthinking monolith.

Los Angeles Times

But it cannot be counted on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately, the present administration cannot be counted on to do so on its own.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If past revenues are based on unsustainable conduct, they cannot be counted on to continue into the future.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be counted on", clearly specify what or who is unreliable and the context in which they are unreliable. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be counted on" without specific context. Saying someone "cannot be counted on" in general is vague and can be unfair. Instead, specify the situations where they are unreliable, such as "cannot be counted on to meet deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be counted on" functions as a passive verb phrase expressing a lack of reliability or dependability. As supported by Ludwig, it indicates that someone or something should not be relied upon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be counted on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a lack of reliability or dependability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for describing entities that should not be relied upon. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, with neutral register. While versatile, it's important to provide specific context when using the phrase to avoid overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "cannot be relied upon" or "is not dependable" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be relied upon

Replaces "counted on" with the synonym "relied upon", maintaining the passive voice and negative connotation.

is not dependable

Shifts from a passive construction to an active one using the adjective "dependable".

is not reliable

Similar to "is not dependable", but uses the adjective "reliable".

cannot be trusted

Focuses on the aspect of trust rather than direct reliance.

should not be depended on

Emphasizes a recommendation against relying on something.

is not a safe bet

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the lack of reliability.

is uncertain

Highlights the unpredictable nature of something.

is questionable

Suggests doubt about the reliability or validity of something.

don't depend on it

An imperative expressing warning not to trust something.

it's risky to depend on it

Highlights the risk involved in relying on something.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be counted on" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be counted on" to describe someone or something unreliable. For example: "The weather this time of year "cannot be counted on" to be sunny".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be counted on"?

Alternatives include "cannot be relied upon", "is not dependable", or "is not reliable", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "cannot be relied upon" instead of "cannot be counted on"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "cannot be relied upon" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "cannot be counted on". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.

What does it mean when something "cannot be counted on"?

It means that the thing or person in question is not dependable or reliable, and you should not depend on it.