relied on

USAGE SUMMARY

"relied on" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to somebody trusting in or having faith in another person, statement, or situation. For example, "I relied on my boss's advice to help me make the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead it has relied on macroprudential policies.

The Economist

I relied on him.

The New York Times

It relied on rumors".

The New York Times

Some people relied on sarcasm.

The New York Times

Instead, they relied on narrative.

The New Yorker

They relied on existing strength".

The New York Times

They often relied on I.Q.

The New York Times

We relied on his word.

The New York Times - Sports

We relied on his commitment.

The New York Times - Sports

"People relied on those ratings.

The New Yorker

But I relied on him for everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relied on", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom is being depended upon. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "relied on" when the situation implies mere assistance rather than crucial dependence. Opt for phrases like "consulted" or "referred to" if the resource was not essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relied on" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct usage. It connects a subject to an object, indicating that the subject depended on or trusted the object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relied on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express dependence or trust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's frequently found in various contexts, notably News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, ensure the object of reliance is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "depended on" or "counted on" can be used to add nuance. Avoid using "relied on" when the context only requires mere assistance. In summary, "relied on" is a valuable tool for expressing dependency when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depended on

Direct synonym, focuses on the act of depending on something or someone.

counted on

Implies a sense of trust and expectation in someone or something.

leaned on

Suggests seeking support or help from someone or something.

trusted in

Emphasizes the aspect of having faith or confidence in something.

had faith in

Highlights the belief or confidence in the reliability of something.

placed confidence in

A more formal way of expressing trust or belief.

pinned hopes on

Indicates a strong desire and expectation based on something.

based on

Emphasizes the foundation or reason for something being done.

rested on

Implies that something is contingent or dependent upon something else.

taken for granted

Something is heavily trusted on and expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "relied on" to indicate dependence or trust in something or someone. For example, "The success of the project /s/depended+on the team's collaboration" or "She /s/counted+on her experience to solve the problem".

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

"Relied on" and "depended on" are often interchangeable, but "relied on" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of trust or confidence than "depended on". Both suggest needing something or someone for support or success.

What can I say instead of "relied on"?

Alternatives to "relied on" include "counted on", "depended on", or "trusted in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I relied on him"?

Yes, "I relied on him" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a subject-verb-prepositional phrase, indicating that the speaker depended on the person mentioned.