relied upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"relied upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that you trust and count on to do something. For example: "The citizens relied upon their mayor to make the right decisions for their town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These figures are not to be relied upon, though.

The New Yorker

It is not to be relied upon.

Independent

He instead relied upon the term Trieb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The action relied upon local partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

Charities are being increasingly relied upon.

The Guardian

Formal records are relied upon heavily.

University of California, Berkeley

Earlier insolvency is not relied upon.

Cornell University

1917E, 88, is relied upon as authority.

Cornell University

President Obama's support can be relied upon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The stove is the most relied-upon appliance.

The New York Times

Schools are increasingly being relied upon to give pupils breakfast".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relied upon", ensure the subject clearly benefits or is supported by the object of reliance. Clarity enhances the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "relied upon" when an active construction would be clearer and more direct. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing seem vague or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relied upon" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of dependence where a subject benefits or is supported by something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relied upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates dependence or trust. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "depended on", "relied upon" effectively conveys the sense of dependence, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Consider the level of formality of your context to choose between "relied upon" and other options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depended on

Emphasizes a past action or state of dependence.

depended upon

A slightly more formal and less common variant of 'depended on'.

were reliant on

Highlights the state of being dependent, often in a practical sense.

counted on

Suggests a more personal or informal expectation of support.

turned to

Suggests seeking help or guidance from someone when needed.

trusted in

Implies a strong belief in the reliability or honesty of something.

leaned on

Suggests seeking support or assistance from someone or something.

placed confidence in

A more formal way of expressing trust and reliance.

had faith in

Emphasizes belief without necessarily implying consistent action.

rested on

Indicates that something is based or founded upon something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "relied upon" to indicate dependence on something or someone. For example, "The success of the project "relied upon" the team's collaboration".

What are some alternatives to "relied upon"?

Alternatives include "depended on", "counted on", and "trusted in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "relied on" or "relied upon"?

"Relied upon" is slightly more formal than "relied on", but both are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the formality of your writing and personal preference.

What is the difference between "relied upon" and "depended on"?

While both phrases indicate reliance, "depended on" is generally more common and less formal than "relied upon". "Relied upon" might be preferred in more formal or technical contexts.