count on someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "count on someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express reliance or trust in someone. Example: "I know I can always count on my best friend for support." Alternative expressions include "rely on someone," "depend on someone," and "trust someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The perceived social support score is computed using four questions that reflect whether respondents feel that they have someone they can confide in, someone they can count on, someone who can give them advice and someone who makes them feel loved.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

They count on someone needing them as porters or messengers.

The New Yorker

Determined to never again count on someone else's business for his living, he founded his own.

The New York Times

"Normally when you have that mindset, you can count on someone making errors in bunches.

Independent

Count on someone, though, taking the city to court to test the idea that tents amount to "expressive conduct" and are thus arguably covered by the First Amendment.

The New York Times

But Howard is bad enough that he can count on someone fouling him — a lot — until he makes the opponent pay.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But there's one thing you can count on with someone who loves to spill the tea; at some point, you're bound to be the subject of their gossip.

Huffington Post

(Prior to September 11th of last year, a James Brown concert was the rare place where you could count on seeing someone publicly wrapped in the flag).

The New Yorker

When she was interviewed near the end of her life, and asked why she hadn't hired a pilot and why she had decided to become a pilot herself, Jeannette replied, "How much loyalty can you count on from someone you hire?" When she was asked if she had parachute training, Jeannette said, "No … if, on the first time you jump, you don't succeed, there's no use trying again".

Wikipedia

The NPHS-Social Support section is comprised of four statements about having "someone to confide in", "someone one can count on in a crisis", "someone one can count on for advice", and "someone who makes one feel loved and cared for", with Yes/No response options.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

To get the answers he wants, Sanders is counting on being someone current players can relate to.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "count on someone", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific support or action you expect from that person. For example, "You can count on me to be there for you" is more specific than simply saying, "You can count on me".

Common error

Don't assume the listener understands what you mean when you say "count on someone". Be explicit about what you're offering or expecting to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "count on someone" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating reliance or dependence on a person. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it expressing trust and dependability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "count on someone" is a phrasal verb that expresses reliance and trust in an individual. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversation. While alternatives like "rely on someone" and "depend on someone" exist, ensuring clarity in the specific support expected is vital. The frequency and authoritative sources confirm its place as a standard expression for conveying assurance and support. Remember to be explicit in what you expect when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on someone

This alternative emphasizes dependence on someone for support or assistance.

depend on someone

This phrase suggests a need for someone's help or support.

trust someone

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of having faith in someone's reliability.

bank on someone

This suggests a strong confidence in someone to deliver a specific outcome.

swear by someone

This indicates strong approval and reliance based on consistent positive experiences.

have faith in someone

This alternative focuses on believing in someone's abilities or character.

place confidence in someone

This suggests a deliberate act of trusting someone's judgment or actions.

lean on someone

This emphasizes seeking emotional or practical support from someone.

rest assured with someone

This implies feeling secure because of someone's presence or capabilities.

have someone's back

This means being ready to defend or support someone.

FAQs

What does "count on someone" mean?

To "count on someone" means to rely on them, trust them, or depend on them to do something or to be there for you in a certain way.

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

You can say, "I know I can always "count on someone" for help when I'm in trouble" or "You can "count on someone" to be there for you during difficult times".

What can I say instead of "count on someone"?

You can use alternatives like "rely on someone", "depend on someone", or "trust someone".

When is it appropriate to use "count on someone"?

It's appropriate to use ""count on someone"" in situations where you want to express your trust and reliance on someone, or when you want to assure someone that they can depend on you.