relies on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relies on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is dependent on or connected to something else. For example, "This project relies on input from the team members to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one relies on them".

The New York Times

CAPITALISM relies on inequality.

The New York Times

He relies on intuition".

The New York Times

Cabrera relies on feel.

The New York Times - Sports

Finance relies on individuals.

The Economist

Shanice relies on Housing Benefit.

Independent

It relies on imported fabric.

The Economist

"He relies on his intuition".

The New York Times

It relies on overseas employers.

The Economist

The world relies on glasses.

The New York Times - Magazine

It relies on trust.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid monotony, consider using synonyms like "depends on", "hinges on", or "is contingent on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "relies on" when the relationship is merely correlational or contributory, not strictly dependent. Overstating reliance can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relies on" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject is dependent on something else. It highlights a relationship of dependence or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relies on" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate dependence. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently employed across diverse contexts, from news media to academic and scientific writing. While perfectly acceptable as-is, consider enriching your text with synonyms like "depends on" or "hinges on" to enhance nuance and avoid repetition. Remember that the relationship should show a true dependency and not just a correlation, to strengthen your writing. Always check the context to ensure it fits perfectly. When writing, be mindful of the level of dependency. This expression is a solid tool in your writing arsenal to clearly express reliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends upon

Replaces "on" with "upon", a slightly more formal alternative.

is dependent on

Directly states that something is reliant on something else.

is contingent on

Indicates that something is dependent on certain conditions being met.

is predicated on

Indicates that something is based or founded on a particular assumption or condition.

hinges on

Suggests that the outcome significantly depends on a single factor.

turns on

Similar to "hinges on", implying a critical dependency.

counts on

Implies a level of trust or expectation in the reliance.

leans on

Suggests a strong dependence for support or assistance.

builds upon

Suggests that something is developed or expanded based on an existing foundation.

is grounded in

Indicates a foundational reliance, often in principles or facts.

FAQs

How to use "relies on" in a sentence?

Use "relies on" to indicate that something is dependent on something else for success or operation. For example, "The project "relies on" teamwork to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "relies on"?

You can use alternatives like "depends on", "hinges on", or "is contingent on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "relies on" or "relies in"?

"Relies on" is the correct form. "Relies in" is grammatically incorrect. The phrase indicates dependence, and the correct preposition is "on".

What's the difference between "relies on" and "depends on"?

"Relies on" and "depends on" are often interchangeable, but "relies on" can sometimes imply a greater degree of trust or certainty in the dependency compared to "depends on".