rely on a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rely on a" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing dependence or trust in a person, object, or concept. Example: "I rely on a good internet connection for my work." Alternative expressions include "depend on a" and "count on a."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We cannot continue to rely on a punitive approach.

Huffington Post

Where injury is likely one cannot rely on a miracle".

Huffington Post

So scientists rely on a crude calculation.

The Economist

Others rely on a rabbit's foot.

The New York Times - Style

"We must rely on a new generation.

The New York Times

They rely on a cleverly selective reading of the facts.

The New York Times

They don't have to rely on a newspaper's attention.

The New York Times

Yet they rely on a misdiagnosis of our economic circumstances.

The New York Times

Those systems rely on a method called electromagnetic induction.

The New York Times

Did you rely on a tipple to help you through?

Independent

But they rely on a series of relatively technical arguments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rely on a", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or whom is being relied upon. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source of support or dependence.

Common error

Avoid using "rely on a" in a passive voice construction that obscures who is doing the relying. For example, instead of "It is relied on a mathematical model", specify "They rely on a mathematical model" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely on a" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating dependence, trust, or reliance on someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rely on a" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express dependence or trust. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows its prevalence across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. While alternatives like "depend on" and "count on" exist, understanding the specific nuance you wish to convey will guide the best choice. Remember to maintain clarity by specifying what or who is being relied upon and avoid overuse in passive voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing dependence.

count on

This alternative suggests confidence in someone or something.

bank on

This alternative implies placing assurance or certainty on something.

hinge on

This alternative indicates that something is contingent or dependent on something else.

rest on

This alternative suggests that something is based or founded on something else.

trust in

This alternative focuses on the aspect of having faith or confidence.

swear by

This alternative indicates a strong belief in the effectiveness of something.

place confidence in

This alternative formalizes the idea of trusting and depending on something.

put faith in

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of having belief or trust.

lean on

This alternative suggests using something or someone for support.

FAQs

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

The phrase "rely on a" is used to indicate dependence on something or someone. For example, "We "rely on a" strong internet connection for our work" or "You can't "rely on a" computer for everything".

What are some alternatives to "rely on a"?

You can use alternatives such as "depend on", "count on", or "bank on" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "rely on a" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "rely on a" in writing when you want to express that something is dependent on something else, or that someone is trusting or depending on a particular thing or person for support or assistance.

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

While ""rely on a"" and "depend on" are often used interchangeably, ""rely on a"" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of trust or confidence than "depend on", but in most contexts they are virtually synonymous.