count on

USAGE SUMMARY

"count on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression that means to depend on, trust, or be sure of something/someone. Example sentence: I can always count on my parents for support.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't count on tomorrow".

Los Angeles Times

No one you can really count on.

Los Angeles Times

Count on the latter.

The New Yorker

Don't count on Papageno.

The New York Times - Arts

Don't count on Tharp.

The New Yorker

You can count on us.

The Guardian

You can't count on that.

The New York Times - Sports

You can count on them".

The New York Times - Books

I wouldn't count on that.

The New York Times

Audiences today count on titles.

The New York Times - Arts

You can count on it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "count on", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is providing the reliable support or expected outcome. For example, "You can count on me to finish the project on time."

Common error

Don't use "count on" without specifying who or what the subject is relying on. Saying "You can count on it" is acceptable only when the 'it' has been previously defined. Otherwise, be specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "count on" functions as a verb of reliance or expectation, indicating that someone or something is dependable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples demonstrating how "count on" expresses trust and assurance in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Academia

0.2%

Reference

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "count on" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that conveys reliance, expectation, or trust. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to news reports. While alternatives like "rely upon" and "depend on" exist, "count on" provides a direct and clear way to express that someone or something is dependable. Remember to be specific about who or what is being counted on to avoid vagueness. The phrase is very common across news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely upon

This alternative emphasizes dependence in a more formal tone.

depend on

This option is a direct synonym, highlighting reliance.

bank on

This implies a strong certainty or confidence in something.

trust in

This focuses on the aspect of having faith or confidence.

be sure of

This alternative highlights the feeling of certainty.

have faith in

Similar to trust in, but potentially implying a stronger belief.

place reliance on

This is a more formal version of 'rely on'.

swear by

This implies very strong belief and reliance based on experience.

lean on

This emphasizes using someone or something for support, often during difficulty.

calculate on

This suggests planning based on an expectation.

FAQs

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

"Count on" means to rely or depend on something or someone. For example, "You can count on me to be there for you."

What can I say instead of "count on"?

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

Which is correct, "count on" or "rely on"?

Both "count on" and "rely on" are correct and have similar meanings, but "rely on" is often perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "count on" and "trust in"?

"Count on" implies a practical expectation of something happening, while "trust in" focuses more on having faith or confidence in someone or something.