rely on me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rely on me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when offering support or assistance to someone, indicating that they can trust you to help them. Example: "If you ever need someone to talk to or help with your projects, just remember, you can always rely on me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They rely on me".

The New York Times

My parents rely on me.

The New York Times

You can rely on me.

The Guardian - Books

The club and my team-mates rely on me".

Independent

Don't rely on me to pop that myth.

The New York Times

Whatever comes next, I'm just going to rely on me.

The Guardian

You can always rely on me for flowery language.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's why you have to rely on me".

The New Yorker

"She could rely on me no matter whether we married or not".

The New York Times

"I had to take care of my family; they rely on me," he explained.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This--in addition to the fact that my professor knew he could rely on me--was probably what made them choose me over two other candidates.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym like "count on me" or "depend on me" for a more informal tone, or "you can trust me" to emphasize trustworthiness.

Common error

While "rely on me" is generally acceptable, it might sound too casual in very formal settings. Opt for phrases like "you can depend on my assistance" or "you can be assured of my support" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely on me" functions as a phrasal verb expressing an offer of support or assurance. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it communicates dependability and willingness to assist.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rely on me" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to offer support and assurance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in formality, consider more formal alternatives like "you can depend on my assistance" in specific settings. Alternatives like "count on me" and "depend on me" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Remember to use "rely on me" when you genuinely want to convey your dependability and willingness to help.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

count on me

A more casual way of saying "rely on me", suggesting a promise of support.

depend on me

Similar to "rely on me", but can also imply a sense of responsibility or obligation.

you can trust me

Focuses on the aspect of trustworthiness and confidence.

I'm here for you

Emphasizes availability and support during difficult times.

I've got your back

An informal expression indicating strong support and protection.

you can bank on it

Suggests certainty and assurance in fulfilling a promise.

place your trust in me

Highlights the act of entrusting oneself to another's care.

lean on me

Suggests emotional support and willingness to share burdens.

I'm your rock

Implies stability and unwavering support in challenging circumstances.

I will not let you down

Focuses on the commitment to fulfill expectations and avoid disappointment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "rely on me"?

To "rely on me" means that you can trust me to be there for you, to support you, or to help you in some way. It implies a sense of dependability and assurance that I will fulfill your expectations.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "rely on me"?

The phrase "rely on me" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, from informal conversations to more professional settings, when you want to offer someone your support and assure them of your dependability. Consider using alternatives like "count on me" or "depend on me" for slightly different nuances.

What can I say instead of "rely on me"?

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

Is "rely on me" formal or informal?

"Rely on me" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. While appropriate in many settings, using phrases like "you can depend on my assistance" might be better suited for extremely formal situations.