count upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "count upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express reliance or trust in someone or something. Example: "I know I can always count upon my friends to support me during tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Stanford Summer Session quarter may count (upon request) toward the three quarter consecutive enrollment requirement if 11 or more units are earned.

Stanford University

But not among African-Americans, one of the groups Mr. Gore must count upon.

The New York Times

They too cannot count upon Mr Trump to live up to his promises.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Tar Heels count upon six players, with a rotation of starters determined by alphabetical order.

The New York Times - Sports

The schema of liberation could therefore count upon a spontaneous understanding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the heat of the battle is dangerously close to intolerable, can Fabio Capello really count upon any of them?

The Guardian - Sport

But with games that count upon them, the Yankees know the good vibe could turn at any time.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm looking for someone who brings honesty and integrity to the office, someone whose judgment I could count upon".

The New York Times

Mr. Ochs always could count upon this man for a strong, reasoned statement of the other point of view.

The New York Times

In short, only show yourselves as liberators, and you may count upon having the advantage in the war.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the government cannot count upon widespread support for peaceful political procedures, it must restrict many kinds of political action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "count upon", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom you are relying on. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source of your expectation.

Common error

While "count upon" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "rely on" or "depend on" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "count upon" functions as a verb phrase indicating reliance or dependence on someone or something. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "count upon" functions as a verb phrase to express reliance or expectation. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered grammatically correct and commonly used, although perhaps slightly more formal than alternatives like "rely on" or "depend on". It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources. While versatile, mindful use of register is important. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the object of reliance. Remember that while correct, overuse in informal contexts can sound stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on

More common and slightly less formal.

depend on

Similar to "rely on" in meaning and formality.

bank on

More informal and suggests a strong degree of certainty.

trust in

Emphasizes confidence and faith in someone or something.

lean on

Implies seeking support or help from someone.

calculate on

Suggests planning or making arrangements based on an expectation.

place reliance on

More formal and emphasizes the act of depending on something.

rest assured

Offers a guarantee or reassurance.

expect confidently

Focuses on the anticipation with a strong belief.

presume on

Suggests taking something for granted, possibly with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "count upon" to express reliance or expectation, such as, "You can always count upon me for support" or "The team counts upon his leadership to succeed".

What can I say instead of "count upon"?

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

Which is correct: "count upon" or "count on"?

Both "count upon" and "count on" are correct, but "count on" is more commonly used in modern English. "Count upon" sounds slightly more formal or old-fashioned.

What is the difference between "count upon" and "trust in"?

"Count upon" implies an expectation of assistance or reliability, while "trust in" emphasizes confidence and faith. You might "count upon" someone to complete a task, but "trust in" their integrity.