it relied on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it relied on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing dependence or reliance on something, such as a resource, method, or person. Example: "The success of the project largely depended on the data it relied on for analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Lyft first launched its scooters, it relied on ones from Xiaomi.

TechCrunch

It relied on one track, and that was pressure".

The New York Times

It relied on Sterling Infosystems, one of the nation's largest background check firms.

Forbes

Instead, it relied on its congressional majority to impose a tired leftism.

The Washington Post

For its drawings, the N.R.A. said it relied on a combination of donated and purchased guns.

The New York Times

Abroad, it relied on unsupported midlevel expatriates and hastily hired outsiders who failed one by one.

Harvard Business Review

It relied on the Indian rupee as its currency until the early 1960s.

The New York Times

It relied on rumors".

The New York Times

Instead, it relied on their words.

The New Yorker

It relied on repurposed manufacturing equipment.

MIT Technology Review

Consumer Reports said it relied on the available scientific evidence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it relied on", ensure that the subject (the 'it') and the object of reliance are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It relied on data", specify "The study relied on data from 2020".

Common error

Avoid using "it relied on" when "it" has no clear antecedent. Always ensure the pronoun clearly refers to a previously mentioned subject to prevent confusion. For instance, instead of just stating "It relied on the report", clarify by saying "The investigation relied on the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it relied on" functions as a verb phrase indicating dependence or reliance on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples across various sources show its consistent use in describing how a subject depended on a resource, method, or person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it relied on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate dependence or reliance. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While alternatives like "it depended on" or "it was based on" exist, each carries a slightly different nuance. The key is to ensure clarity in defining what "it" refers to and what it depended on. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential errors, writers can effectively use "it relied on" to convey precise meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depended upon

Replaces "relied" with a synonym, "depended", maintaining similar formality and meaning. The preposition 'upon' makes it slightly more formal.

it was based on

Shifts the focus to the foundation or origin, suggesting a core principle or foundation. Changes verb and preposition.

it hinged on

Implies that the outcome or success was particularly dependent on something, emphasizing the critical nature of the reliance. Uses a more metaphorical verb.

it turned to

Suggests seeking assistance or guidance. The focus is on seeking help from a source.

it made use of

Focuses on utilization or application of something, implying active use. Changes to a verb phrase.

it counted on

Emphasizes trust or expectation that something would be available or reliable. Changes the verb to one focusing on anticipation.

it leant on

Similar to "depended", but with a stronger sense of support or leaning for assistance. Slightly more informal.

it was contingent on

Highlights that something's occurrence or truth is dependent on another factor. More formal and emphasizes conditionality.

its foundation was

Focuses specifically on the fundamental element or base upon which something is built or established. More emphasis on the base itself.

it drew from

Indicates that something was extracted or obtained from a source. Conveys a sense of selection or derivation.

FAQs

How can I use "it relied on" in a sentence?

Use "it relied on" to indicate dependence on something. For example, "The project "it relied on" external funding to succeed".

What can I say instead of "it relied on"?

You can use alternatives such as "it depended on", "it was based on", or "it hinged on" depending on the specific context.

Is "it relied on" formal or informal?

"It relied on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language can influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "it relied on" and "it depended on"?

While "it relied on" and "it depended on" are often interchangeable, "it relied on" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of trust or confidence in the source of reliance, whereas "it depended on" simply states a condition of dependence.