could be counted upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be counted upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express reliability or trustworthiness regarding a person or thing. Example: "In times of crisis, she proved that she could be counted upon to support her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Only relatives and those who received benefices could be counted upon to maintain their political loyalty beyond ideological motivations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If only New York City cyclists could be counted upon to always consider "the effects of our actions on others"!

The New York Times

He confirmed that the PPP believed the Army was a national institution that could be counted upon to preserve security and prevent electoral fraud.

The Guardian

The New York Times recently ran a story about a high-school classroom where fewer than a third of students could be counted upon to do the night's reading — they were too busy perusing their Facebooks.

The New Yorker

His Toryism, which he sometimes expressed for shock value, was based upon his conviction that the Tories could be counted upon to support the Church of England as a state institution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And much of it was written for a limited group of educated readers, who could be counted upon to understand every classical or biblical allusion and to appreciate every figure of rhetoric.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Next, it is possible that individuals may be prescribed AP drugs immediately upon entry to the facility, meaning they could be counted as continuous rather than new users.

BMC Geriatrics

If only everyone could be counted on to read.

The New Yorker

He could be counted on raise taxes again.

Huffington Post

†Patients could be counted in multiple categories.

BMC Cancer

The Great Recession had reminded Carlson that capitalism could be destructive, and that markets could not be counted upon to cure ills like rural unemployment — at least, not quickly enough to help the working-class men who were drifting out of the workforce.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be counted upon", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is reliable for. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice, including "could be counted upon", can make writing sound weak. Opt for active voice where appropriate to strengthen your sentences. For example, instead of "He could be counted upon", consider "People counted on him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be counted upon" functions as a passive construction indicating reliability or dependability. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing individuals, institutions, or even abstract concepts that consistently meet expectations. It suggests a history of trustworthiness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be counted upon" is a reliable way to express dependability and trustworthiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news media and encyclopedias. While simpler alternatives like "can be trusted" exist, "could be counted upon" adds a touch of formality and emphasizes past performance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is reliable for. Although the passive voice is grammatically sound, avoid overuse to maintain strong, active writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be relied upon

Replaces "counted" with "relied", maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

could be depended on

Substitutes "counted" with "depended", offering a slightly more formal tone.

can be trusted

Shifts from passive to active voice, focusing on the trust aspect of reliability.

is trustworthy

Uses an adjective to describe the subject's reliability.

is dependable

Similar to "is trustworthy", but emphasizes consistency and predictability.

is a safe bet

Introduces an idiomatic expression implying a high probability of success or reliability.

can be assured

Focuses on the certainty one can have in the subject's reliability.

is a sure thing

Suggests absolute certainty and reliability, often in a more informal context.

is certain to deliver

Highlights the aspect of fulfilling expectations or promises.

offers guaranteed support

Specifically emphasizes support and guarantees, shifting the focus slightly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could be counted upon" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "could be relied upon" or "could be depended on". These options maintain the meaning of reliability but add a touch of sophistication.

What's a simpler way to say "could be counted upon"?

Simpler alternatives include "can be trusted" or "is reliable". These options use more common vocabulary and are easier to understand.

Is "could be counted upon" the same as "should be counted upon"?

No, "could be counted upon" indicates a capability or past history of reliability, while "should be counted upon" suggests an expectation or obligation. The former is descriptive, while the latter is prescriptive.

In what situations is it best to use "could be counted upon"?

It's best used when you want to emphasize someone or something's proven reliability in past situations, suggesting they are a dependable choice for future needs. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.