he counts on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he counts on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express reliance or dependence on someone or something for support or assistance. Example: "He counts on his friends to help him through tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

As Mr. Gelb pursues his vision of a more theatrically daring future for the Met, he counts on Mr. Levine, one of the major maestros of our time, to provide artistic continuity and excellence.

The New York Times

He counts on their inner voice, the one that says they can still play.

The New York Times - Sports

"Afterwards, a kid told one of my sons that he counts on these Friday assemblies to catch up on his sleep, but this kept him awake". Throughout the program, Brookhiser strikes an even though never dispassionate chord.

Los Angeles Times

He counts on that.

The New York Times

He counts on her to raise their only child properly.

The New York Times

He counts on the difference in style to help with new voters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Can he count on seeing some of the extra $25 billion the continent is promised by 2010?

The Economist

On more than one occasion he counted on her to look into problems of expeditions while he was away.

The New York Times - Books

Whom can he count on?

Independent

Could he count on the Mormons?

The New York Times

Nor can he count on liberals' support.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he counts on", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom he is relying upon. For instance, "He counts on his team to deliver the project on time" is more precise than "He counts on them."

Common error

Avoid using "he counts on" in overly passive constructions that obscure who is performing the action. Instead of "Success is counted on by him", prefer "He counts on achieving success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he counts on" functions as a verb phrase expressing reliance or dependence. Ludwig examples show it used to indicate that a person is trusting in someone or something to provide support, assistance, or a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he counts on" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to convey reliance or dependence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives like "he relies on" or "he depends on" may be preferred in professional or academic settings. When using the expression, ensure the context clearly indicates the object of reliance to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is counting on

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reliance.

he relies on

Replaces "counts" with a more formal synonym, "relies".

he depends on

Substitutes "counts" with "depends", emphasizing reliance for support.

he trusts in

Changes the focus to trust as the basis of reliance.

he banks on

Uses a more informal and colloquial expression for relying on something.

he expects

A simpler and more direct way of stating reliance.

he is assured of

Shifts the focus to a feeling of certainty about receiving support.

he anticipates

Focuses on expecting something to happen or be provided.

he presumes

Indicates reliance based on an assumption or belief.

he takes for granted

Implies a reliance that may be unconscious or without due appreciation.

FAQs

What does "he counts on" mean?

The phrase "he counts on" means that he relies on someone or something, expecting them to provide support, assistance, or a desired outcome.

What can I say instead of "he counts on"?

You can use alternatives like "he relies on", "he depends on", or "he trusts in depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "he is counting on"?

Yes, "he is counting on" is a grammatically correct and common variation of "he counts on". It emphasizes the ongoing or current nature of the reliance.

What is the difference between "he counts on" and "he expects"?

While both phrases imply anticipation, "he counts on" suggests a stronger reliance and dependence, whereas "he expects" simply indicates an anticipation without necessarily implying dependence.