rely completely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rely completely on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to depending on someone or something for something that you need or for help. Example: "I relied completely on my parents to provide me with the financial support I needed to live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't rely completely on secondhand information.

The New York Times

"We rely completely on donations from the congregation," says Joseph.

The Guardian

But doctors often hesitate to rely completely on generalities.

The New York Times - Health

"I rely completely on the security forces," he told the cabinet.

The New York Times

If you would rather not rely completely on a travel agent, check on flight alternatives ahead of time.

The New York Times

With a bare minimum of facilities and no staff (but no tariff) you rely completely on the kindness of strangers for stocks of water (and occasional vodka).

The Guardian - Travel

The vast majority of patients living at El Pampero have been abandoned by their families and rely completely on the state to meet their basic needs.

The New York Times

Reagan has received, assuring him that they rely completely on his Gallic elegance in handling any potentially embarrassing requests in a graceful way.

The New Yorker

"Stores that rely completely on recorded music have a difficult future," he said, "but we've been changing our business quite dramatically".

The New York Times

Mr. Siena's linear patterns are tantamount to drawing, but rely completely on his sophisticated use of related and contrasting colors for definition.

The New York Times

They pushed several of the king's friends out of office, and by 1724 George had come to rely completely on their judgment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rely completely on", ensure that the context clearly indicates the basis for such complete reliance, whether it's trust, necessity, or proven reliability. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "rely completely on" when partial reliance is more accurate. Overstating dependence can weaken your argument if the subject can function, even minimally, without the object of reliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely completely on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of total dependence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses that someone or something is fully dependent on another for support or function. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from financial dependence to reliance on specific skills or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rely completely on" is a common and grammatically correct way to express total dependence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific publications, and general discourse, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using the phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the complete dependence to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "depend entirely on" or "be fully reliant on" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend entirely on

Emphasizes total dependence, similar to "rely completely on" but using "depend" instead of "rely".

have complete dependence on

Highlights the state of having a total need for something, focusing on the dependence itself.

be unconditionally dependent on

Emphasizes the lack of conditions or limitations on the dependence.

be fully reliant on

Uses "reliant" to highlight the state of dependence, providing a slightly more formal tone.

trust implicitly in

Focuses on the aspect of unwavering trust as the basis for reliance, rather than just dependence.

count on without reservation

Emphasizes the act of counting on something without any doubts or limitations.

place all your faith in

Stresses the act of putting all trust and confidence in something or someone.

have absolute faith in

Highlights the aspect of complete trust and confidence in the object of reliance.

bank entirely on

Suggests putting all your hopes or plans on something, with the implication of significant consequences if it fails.

swear by something

Indicates a strong belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something, to the point of guaranteeing it.

FAQs

How can I use "rely completely on" in a sentence?

You can use "rely completely on" to indicate total dependence on something or someone. For example, "The project will "rely completely on" funding from external sources".

What are some alternatives to "rely completely on"?

Alternatives include "depend entirely on", "be fully reliant on", or "trust implicitly in", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "rely completely on" or "depend completely on"?

Both "rely completely on" and "depend completely on" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, although "depend" might be considered slightly more formal.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "rely completely on"?

It's inappropriate to use "rely completely on" if the subject has other means of support or assistance, or if the dependence is only partial. Using it in such cases can be an overstatement.