rely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express the idea of being dependent on something or someone for support. For example: "I rely on my best friend to help me through difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Properly implemented strong crypto systems are one of the few things that you can rely on.

The Guardian

Perhaps even more worrying to Mr. Assad, his military has come to rely more heavily on equipment designed for a major battle with a foreign enemy, namely Israel, rather than a protracted civil conflict with his own people.

The New York Times

Data protection authorities seem content to rely on search engines' application of the ruling's balancing test, citing low appeal rates as evidence that the balance is being appropriately struck.

The Guardian - Tech

"This was essential work but passengers need to be able to plan and rely on Network Rail meeting its deadlines for having the network back in service.

The Guardian - Business

Prime Minister José Sócrates, a Socialist, will rely on tax increases and cuts in public-sector wages and corporate subsidies.

The New York Times

Then, instead of looking at the fundamentals of the securities themselves, they simply assumed that they could rely on the credit ratings the ratings agencies bestowed, even though those agencies' conflicts of interest were well-known.

The Economist

But every time MEPs drink a cup of Nespresso coffee they are sending more money to Nespresso and Nestlé than to dirt-poor coffee farmers who rely on the crop.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, the report will probably rely heavily on open sources, as Nemtsov's past reports on state corruption did.

The Guardian

Ironically, these demonstrations rely on the very thing that they seek to end.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For example there are people who seem to always need to have a lover as well as a partner because they dare not rely on just one person in case that person abandons them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though the US terrestrial networks still employ big writers' rooms, to churn out annual runs of 22 episodes, award-winning cable shows now often rely on the creative vision of a single writer (such as Vince Gilligan for Breaking Bad, and Matt Weiner for Mad Men).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "rely" by considering synonyms such as "depend", "count", or "trust" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Be careful not to use "rely" in constructions where the actor is unclear or absent. For example, instead of "The project is relied on for success", specify who is doing the relying: "We rely on this project for success".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rely" is as an intransitive verb. It signifies the act of depending on someone or something for support, help, or confidence. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and widely applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "rely" is a versatile and commonly used term, signifying dependence and trust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in "news & media", "formal & business", and "science" contexts. When using "rely", ensure you are clearly indicating the subject that benefits from the action and avoid passive constructions. Alternatives such as "depend on", "count on", and "trust" can provide variety in your writing. Understanding these nuances will help you use "rely" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

Implies a similar meaning of needing someone or something for support or help, but is more direct.

count on

Suggests a strong expectation that someone will do what is needed or promised.

bank on

Indicates a high degree of certainty or confidence in a particular outcome.

trust in

Emphasizes the aspect of having faith or confidence in someone's reliability.

lean on

Implies seeking emotional support or assistance during difficult times.

place confidence in

More formal way of expressing trust and reliance on someone's abilities.

have faith in

Focuses on the belief that someone or something will not fail or disappoint.

swear by

Indicates strong approval and reliance based on positive experience.

hinge on

Suggests that the outcome or success of something is entirely dependent on a single factor.

rest on

Implies that something is supported or based on a particular foundation or condition.

FAQs

How to use "rely" in a sentence?

You can use "rely" to indicate dependence on someone or something. For example, "I "rely on" my friends for support", or "The company "relies on" innovation for growth".

What can I say instead of "rely"?

You can use alternatives like "depend on", "count on", or "trust" depending on the context.

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

"Rely on" is the correct and more common usage. "Rely in" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "rely on" and "depend on"?

While both ""rely on"" and "depend on" express a similar meaning of needing someone or something for support, "rely on" often suggests a stronger sense of trust and confidence than "depend on".