is reliant on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is reliant on' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is contingent upon something else. For example: The success of the project is reliant on the team's hard work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That means one in 10 Americans is reliant on the government to feed them.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, the whole nation is reliant on Emergent.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is reliant on a narrow circle of narrow thinkers.

Independent

Effective microbial metabolic engineering is reliant on efficient gene transfer.

Anaerobe

Déby's hold on power is reliant on Western support.

The New Yorker

The art of war is reliant on technology development.

The Guardian

Kluber is reliant on his pitches blowing away the hitter.

The Washington Post

It is to highlight how understanding of sexual violence is reliant on how it is reported and how this, in turn, is reliant on who is involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mammalian cell culture is reliant on culture media to support in vitro growth and proliferation.

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

Furthermore, China's government is reliant on the banking system to keep the economy on track.

The Economist

Evidence to inform clinical practice is reliant on research carried out using appropriate study design.

Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is reliant on", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the subject that is dependent and the object it depends on for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is reliant on" can sound slightly redundant in formal contexts. Consider stronger verbs like 'depends' or 'hinges on' for more concise writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is reliant on" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating dependence or contingency. As shown in Ludwig, it connects a subject to a condition or factor necessary for its existence or success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is reliant on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate dependence or contingency. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While effective, consider stronger verbs like "depends" or "hinges on" for more concise writing. The phrase functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a necessary condition. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, making it appropriate for professional and academic settings. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes and BBC. Therefore, using the term "is reliant on" in your writing is grammatically valid and will be well understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on

Direct synonym, indicating a need for something else.

is dependent on

Similar in meaning, emphasizing a state of needing support.

hinges on

Emphasizes the crucial importance of one thing for another.

is contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of the relationship.

relies on

A slightly more active verb, suggesting a deliberate choice to depend on something.

is conditional on

Specifies that the relationship is subject to certain conditions.

is subject to

Similar to 'contingent on', but can imply a more passive acceptance of conditions.

is at the mercy of

Emphasizes vulnerability and lack of control.

is bound by

Implies a constraint or obligation, suggesting a dependence due to rules or agreements.

is vulnerable without

Highlights the potential negative consequences of lacking something.

FAQs

How can I use "is reliant on" in a sentence?

You can use "is reliant on" to show dependence. For example, "The project's success is reliant on the team's dedication".

What's a good alternative to "is reliant on"?

Alternatives include "depends on", "hinges on", or "is contingent on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is reliant on" or "relies on"?

Both are correct, but "relies on" is often more direct and active. "Is reliant on" can be used for emphasis or in formal contexts where a more passive tone is appropriate.

What does "is reliant on" mean?

The phrase "is reliant on" means that something depends on something else for success, function, or existence.