reliable about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reliable about" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in certain contexts.
It can be used when discussing someone's dependability regarding a specific topic or situation, but it is more typical to use "reliable for" or "reliable in." Example: "She is reliable about meeting deadlines, which makes her a valuable team member."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He is not always reliable about either chronology or detail.

The Guardian

They are four-legged, for one thing, and not very reliable about following rehabilitation schedules.

The New York Times

Typically, older voters are more reliable about heading to the polls.

The New York Times

(As long as you're reliable about replying in the end, it's surprising how little this bothers people).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there's also something rather comfortingly reliable about it as well and, while a tad workmanlike, his solid direction ensures that the drama is mostly involving.

The Guardian - Film

"As long as you're reliable about replying in the end, it's surprising how little this bothers people," argues Oliver Burkeman, author of Help!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is what we meant in our statements about "reliable transduction about signal identity, but not signal intensity information".

eLife

Intelligence Gaps American officials admit they lack reliable intelligence about the resistance, even about its size.

The New York Times

In order to collect reliable data about social contacts, decisions about the survey methodology have to be made.

Social Networks

Conservation policies depend on reliable information about the taxonomic status and about genetic variability of locally adapted populations.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Nevertheless, the uncertainty about the final set of human polymorphic inversions complicates making reliable conclusions about the observed patterns.

Briefings in Functional Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "reliable about" is understandable, consider using alternatives like "reliable for" or "reliable in" to enhance clarity and flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reliable about" when describing someone's ability to consistently perform a task. Instead, opt for "reliable for": "She is reliable for completing tasks on time," not "She is reliable about completing tasks on time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reliable about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing something as dependable or trustworthy concerning a specific topic or situation. Ludwig indicates that while acceptable, this phrase may not be the most common or stylistically preferred choice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reliable about" is an acceptable, but not particularly common, way to describe something as dependable or trustworthy in relation to a specific topic. Ludwig's analysis indicates it functions as an adjective phrase and serves to convey assurance. While understandable in most contexts, considering alternatives like "reliable for", "reliable in", or "dependable regarding" can enhance clarity and stylistic preference. It is mostly used in "News & Media" and "Science". Be mindful of the subtle distinctions when choosing a preposition to ensure the most precise and impactful communication. Overall, while not incorrect, strive for alternatives to elevate the style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependable regarding

Changes the preposition to "regarding" to specify the focus of reliability.

trustworthy concerning

Replaces "reliable" with "trustworthy" for a stronger emphasis on integrity, also "about" is changed to "concerning".

accurate with respect to

Uses "accurate" to emphasize correctness and precision, and "with respect to" instead of "about".

reliable in relation to

Emphasizes the connection or association using "in relation to" instead of "about".

dependable with regard to

Formally indicates the area of dependability using "with regard to".

reliable when it comes to

Adds an idiomatic phrase to introduce the topic of reliability.

authoritative on the subject of

Focuses on expertise and knowledge using "authoritative" and specifying the topic.

sound concerning

Highlights the validity of information, swapping reliable with sound.

dependable for

Focuses on the purpose or task, using the preposition "for".

can be trusted on

Emphasizes reliance on the source regarding particular topic or issue, but requires rephrasing for similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "reliable about" in a sentence?

"Reliable about" is used to describe something you can depend on in relation to a specific topic. For example: "The database is "reliable about" providing accurate weather forecasts."

What are some alternatives to saying "reliable about"?

You can use alternatives such as "dependable regarding", "trustworthy concerning", or "accurate with respect to", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "reliable about", "reliable for", or "reliable in"?

While "reliable about" is acceptable, "reliable for" often sounds more natural when describing someone's dependability for a task, and "reliable in" is suitable when referring to someone's reliability in a particular area. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to be "reliable about" something?

To be "reliable about" something means to consistently provide accurate, trustworthy, or dependable information or performance in relation to that particular thing. The person or system will typically be consistent and free from error.