cannot rely on

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot rely on" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that you are unable to depend or trust someone or something for support or help. Example: "I cannot rely on my unreliable coworker to complete their tasks on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But one cannot rely on the weather, not even in the Sunshine State.

Independent

Where injury is likely one cannot rely on a miracle".

Huffington Post

Israel cannot rely on him.

The New York Times

You cannot rely on other people's support.

The Guardian

However, we cannot rely on heroic individuals.

The Guardian

Britain cannot rely on Trump's America.

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore, you cannot rely on willpower alone.

The New York Times

Osborne says Britain cannot rely on a public sector recovery.

The Guardian

To end early marriage we cannot rely on laws alone.

The Guardian

We cannot rely on the opposition parties, either.

The New Yorker

The UK cannot rely on our historical strength alone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot rely on", clearly state the reason for the lack of dependability to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "We cannot rely on this supplier because their delivery times are inconsistent."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot rely on" in overly passive constructions that obscure the subject. Instead of saying "Success cannot be relied on", specify who or what cannot rely on success: "The company cannot rely on immediate success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot rely on" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of trust or dependability. It typically precedes a noun or pronoun, indicating what or whom one cannot depend on. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot rely on" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of dependability or trust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and formal communication. Its primary function is to express doubt or caution against dependence, often suggesting the need for alternative solutions. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the reasons for the lack of reliability to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "cannot depend on" or "should not trust" exist, "cannot rely on" remains a direct and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot depend on

Suggests a lack of ability to count on someone or something for support or fulfillment of a need. It is more direct and interchangeable with the original phrase.

cannot count on

Implies uncertainty about whether someone or something will be available or effective when needed. It's slightly less formal.

should not trust

Focuses on the absence of trust in a person or entity, highlighting a lack of confidence in their actions or intentions. It implies a stronger sense of doubt.

should not bank on

Suggests it's unwise to base plans or expectations on something because it is uncertain or unreliable. It adds a sense of risk or speculation.

must not depend on

Indicates a stronger sense of necessity to avoid reliance, often due to potential negative consequences. It conveys a sense of obligation or instruction.

cannot pin hopes on

Implies that the probability of something happening is low, hence expectation should not be set on it.

should not lean on

Suggests avoiding dependence on someone or something for emotional or practical support. This can be more personal and relational.

cannot take for granted

Implies that one should not assume something will always be available or reliable. It emphasizes awareness and appreciation.

must find alternatives to

Highlights the need to seek different options, indicating that the current one is not dependable. It conveys a proactive approach.

should explore other options than

Emphasizes the importance of seeking options different than the current ones because the current options are unreliable.

FAQs

What does "cannot rely on" mean?

The phrase "cannot rely on" means you are unable to depend or trust someone or something to provide support, help, or produce expected results. It indicates a lack of confidence in their reliability.

What are some alternatives to "cannot rely on"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot depend on", "cannot count on", or "should not trust" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "cannot rely on" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot rely on" to express a lack of dependability. For example: "We cannot rely on the weather for our outdoor event", or "You cannot rely on him to keep a secret."

Is "cannot rely on" formal or informal?

"Cannot rely on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a common and widely understood phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.