it relied upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it relied upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing dependence or reliance on something or someone in a formal context. Example: "The success of the project ultimately depended on the resources it relied upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Unlike its predecessors it relied upon solid rocket boosters to get to orbit and the vehicle was mounted on the side of the launcher rather than on top.

The Guardian

Greece's pension problem far outweighs the finagling with its accounts that it relied upon in the early 1990s to get its official deficit figures low enough to qualify to join the euro club.

The New York Times

Express Scripts has essentially reassembled the team of advisers it relied upon in its failed bid for Caremark Rx four years ago.

The New York Times

In February, it gave notice it wished to withdraw the proceedings relating to Z. Judge Bellamy said the council had abandoned all of the matters it relied upon in its original documents by belatedly acknowledging it had little or no material in which to satisfy the criteria set out in its threshold document.

BBC

The Justice Department's latest opinion "reflects the independent legal judgment of the Office and cites the legal authorities that it relied upon in reaching its conclusions," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions.

The Washington Post

In its original form (HALT-90), it relied upon a respondent's recall over the 3 months prior to the interview, that period of enquiry being intended to gather a representative view of each participant's lost productive time.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The only contract that it relies upon is its charter.

Cornell University

The limitations of our study include its retrospective nature and the fact that it relies upon a trauma database.

F1000Research

Manuka is generally regarded as the most potent honey, but it relies upon nectar from a particular tree in New Zealand, limiting its supply.

The Guardian

It relies upon the kinematic model of the farm tractor.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The economic system we rely upon cannot be tamed without collapsing, for it relies upon that growth to function.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it relied upon", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the reliance is logical and supported by the context. For example, "The study relied upon data collected over a decade" provides clear context.

Common error

Ensure that what "it" relied upon is explicitly stated. Ambiguity can arise if the object of reliance is unclear or implied rather than directly mentioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it relied upon" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something (it) depended on or used something else for support or as a basis. Ludwig examples demonstrate it in various contexts where a subject's actions or outcomes were contingent on something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it relied upon" is a versatile verb phrase used to express dependence or reliance on something. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While primarily neutral to formal, it effectively conveys how one thing is contingent on another. To enhance clarity, ensure the object of reliance is explicitly stated. Alternatives such as "it depended on" or "it was based on" offer simpler ways to express the same concept, with minor changes in formality. By avoiding vague reliance, writers can ensure their message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depended on

This alternative uses a more common synonym for 'rely', making it slightly less formal.

it counted on

This alternative conveys a sense of expectation and trust in what was relied upon.

it was contingent on

This option emphasizes the conditional nature of the reliance.

it leant on

This emphasizes support and assistance in a more metaphorical sense.

it was based on

This suggests a foundation or starting point of the reliance.

it hinged on

Implies that the outcome was directly determined by the thing relied upon.

it drew on

Indicates extracting or utilizing resources from what was relied upon.

it turned to

Suggests seeking assistance or support from what was relied upon.

it took advantage of

Implies that the system or person benefitted from a pre-existing condition to improve an outcome.

it used

This is a more simplified version emphasizing utility.

FAQs

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

Use "it relied upon" when you want to indicate that something depended on or used something else as a basis or resource. For instance, "The project relied upon volunteer efforts for its success."

What are some alternatives to "it relied upon"?

You can use alternatives like "it depended on", "it was based on", or "it counted on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it relied upon" formal or informal?

"It relied upon" leans towards formal usage. In more casual contexts, phrases like "it depended on" might be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "it relied upon" or "it relies on"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they differ in tense. "It relied upon" indicates past tense, while "it relies on" indicates present tense. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the reliance.