may count on

USAGE SUMMARY

"may count on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing trust or assurance in someone or something, or when indicating that you are relying on them for something. For example: "You can always count on me to help out when you need it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Each discipline has a certain role as appropriate to develop Character; for instance, one may count on Maths for developing curiosity and resilience; on Biology for curiosity and ethics; etc. Character learning also happens in out-of-school settings such as sports, scouting, adventure trips, etc., which highlights the importance of a broad education.

HuffPost

Against this Oakland staff, that's all the Yankees may count on.

The New York Times - Sports

It would not do to say the moment he presented the name, "You may count on my vote".

The Guardian

That, too, would be fine with Netanyahu, since he may count on staying in office by overturning a Supreme Court ruling that obliges an indicted minister to resign.

The New Yorker

Do as you wish, for if liberty is not had by man, you may count on it that he is at odds with nature.

Princeton University

Unless an applicant's financial circumstances have improved significantly, an applicant may count on the same standard of support in subsequent years.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yet this pint-size sportiness may count for nothing on long, concrete interstates plagued by ruts and expansion joints.

BBC

And you may want to count on that continuing to happen and arrive early, just to be safe.

Los Angeles Times

But it bodes ill for peace in Venezuela.Like Colonel Qaddafi, Mr Chávez also has foreign fighters he may be able to count on in a fix.

The Economist

Simply put, the votes Democrats count on automatically may be the only ones they can get.

The New York Times

Others may not be able to count on reaching enough investors to make an auction flotation a success.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject you're relying on is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "You may count on our support" is clearer than "You may count on it."

Common error

Avoid using "may count on" when absolute certainty is required. If a guarantee is intended, opt for stronger phrases like "can guarantee" or "will ensure" to accurately reflect the level of commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may count on" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a degree of expectation or reliance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to convey that one can reasonably expect something to happen or rely on someone for support. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may count on" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a reasonable expectation or reliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "may count on" implies a degree of confidence, it's important to avoid overstating certainty and to use stronger alternatives when a guarantee is intended. Alternatives include "can rely on" and "can depend on", but the choice depends on the intended nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "may count on" to convey nuanced meanings in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can rely on

This alternative conveys a similar sense of dependability but uses "rely" instead of "count", creating a slightly more formal tone.

can depend on

This option replaces "count" with "depend", offering a near synonym with a slightly different nuance of trust.

may expect

This is a straightforward substitution, replacing "count on" with "expect" to indicate a belief that something will occur.

can bank on

This phrase uses "bank" to suggest certainty, which might be slightly stronger than "count on".

can trust in

This alternative focuses on the aspect of trust, highlighting confidence in the reliability of someone or something.

may anticipate

This version shifts the focus to anticipation, implying a reasonable expectation of something happening.

can be assured of

This alternative emphasizes the assurance or guarantee associated with the reliance.

can be certain of

This phrase uses "certain" to strengthen the sense of assurance, implying a high degree of confidence.

can wager on

Implies betting or risking something on the outcome; suggests confidence but carries risk.

can bet on

Similar to "wager on", suggesting a high degree of confidence in an outcome, often used informally.

FAQs

How can I use "may count on" in a sentence?

The phrase "may count on" indicates a reasonable expectation or reliance on someone or something. For example, "You "may count on" our team to deliver the project on time."

What's a more formal alternative to "may count on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "can rely on" or "can depend on", which convey a similar sense of dependability but with increased formality.

Is there a difference between "may count on" and "can count on"?

While both express reliance, "may count on" suggests a degree of possibility, while "can count on" implies a stronger sense of certainty. Use "may" when the reliance is likely but not absolutely guaranteed.

What are some alternatives to "may count on" that emphasize trust?

If you want to emphasize the trust aspect, consider alternatives such as "can trust in" or "can be assured of", which highlight confidence in the reliability of someone or something.