must count on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must count on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing reliance or dependence on someone or something for support or assistance. Example: "In times of crisis, we must count on our friends and family for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Anyhow, they are already unable to consume good food and one must count on it that not very many will remain.

Yale University

Yet the Mets must count on him.

The New York Times - Sports

To win, she must count on Republican voters knowing how to write in her name.

The Washington Post

Instead of heat, Democratic candidates must count on the cool pragmatism of Mr. Obama's governance to rally their voters.

The New York Times

Now, we Thais must count on the international community to demand the return of Thai democracy and to restore the rule of law.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Biden must count on electability as by far the paramount question on the minds of voters — in the primaries and the general election — because of Trump.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He must be counting on one whopping big Bradley Effect there, because almost every poll I've seen says he doesn't stand a chance in the Keystone State.

Huffington Post

That must count for something.

The New Yorker

As a would-be, best-selling author of dietary nonsense, you must -- and alas, can -- count on that.

Huffington Post

So complex is this music that the composer must have counted on at least a few partygoers paying attention.

The New York Times - Arts

In fact, one must count occurrences on both DNA strands.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "must count on" suggests a degree of confidence in the outcome. Ensure that the evidence or reasoning supports this level of certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "must count on" when the reliance is merely preferred or optional. Using weaker phrases like "can hope for" or "might consider" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must count on" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a strong obligation or expectation regarding reliance on something or someone. Ludwig provides examples where it signifies critical dependence, such as in political, economic, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must count on" is a versatile phrase used to express the necessity of relying on someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates a strong reliance, avoiding overuse in situations where the reliance is merely preferred. Alternatives like "must rely on" or "must depend on" can be used to add nuance. Remember to use "must count on" when there is an imperative of reliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must rely on

Replaces "count on" with "rely on", emphasizing dependence.

must depend on

Substitutes "count on" with "depend on", highlighting reliance for support.

must bank on

Uses "bank on" instead of "count on", suggesting a strong expectation or confidence.

must anticipate

Replaces the entire phrase, focusing on expecting something to happen.

must expect

Emphasizes the expectation of something happening or being provided.

must look to

Implies seeking help or guidance from someone or something.

must trust in

Highlights the element of faith or confidence in the reliance.

must presume

Focuses on assuming something to be the case, which one then relies upon.

must reckon with

Shifts the focus to acknowledging and dealing with something as a factor.

must calculate on

Highlights a more analytical approach to reliance, suggesting planning and consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "must count on" to indicate reliance or dependence on someone or something. For example, "During a crisis, we "must count on" our community for support".

What can I say instead of "must count on"?

You can use alternatives like "must rely on", "must depend on", or "must bank on" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "must rely on" or "must count on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning of dependence. The choice between "must rely on" and ""must count on"" often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "must count on" versus "should count on"?

"Must count on" indicates a higher degree of necessity or certainty than "should count on". Use ""must count on"" when the reliance is crucial, whereas "should count on" suggests a recommendation or expectation that is less critical.