rely on one another

USAGE SUMMARY

"rely on one another" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two or more people trust and depend on one another for help and support. For example: "The members of the team worked together and relied on one another to reach their goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

We learned to rely on one another".

The New York Times

To make it in Reydon, people rely on one another.

The New York Times

Once in Germany, however, the former prisoners have had to rely on one another for company.

The New York Times

Not having a doorman like those in the upscale high-rises that surround us forces us to rely on one another — a little.

The New York Times

What became only slightly clearer, over the next hour, was how those pieces safety, strength, pride relate to and rely on one another.

The New Yorker

Children living in socially cohesive neighborhoods, where parents rely on one another for emergencies, also were more likely to take care of themselves after school.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We survived by relying on one another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All transactions were made over the phone by men relying on one another's word.

The New Yorker

At the law school, Ms. Bryant was one of a handful of minority students, who relied on one another for support, Mr. Coleman said.

The New York Times

But in other cities and towns, the hum of air-conditioners ceased and people relied on one another and their battery-operated radios for updates on the blackout.

The New York Times

Though he despised the segregation and poverty of Elmer, his hometown, Mr. Mixner also has fond memories of an agrarian society where neighbors relied on one another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rely on one another" to emphasize mutual dependence within a group or relationship. This highlights the shared responsibility and trust involved.

Common error

Be careful not to use "rely on one another" when the reliance is primarily one-sided. Ensure the context clearly demonstrates a reciprocal relationship to avoid misrepresenting the dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely on one another" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of mutual dependence or reciprocal support. It highlights the interconnectedness and trust between individuals or entities. Ludwig confirms this by showcasing examples where the phrase is used to describe cooperation and shared responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rely on one another" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey mutual dependence and trust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as scientific and lifestyle publications. While generally neutral in tone, it is suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly demonstrates a reciprocal relationship to accurately represent the dynamic being described. Alternatives such as "depend on each other" or "support one another" can be used to subtly adjust the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on each other

Focuses on the reciprocal nature of dependence, similar to the original phrase.

count on each other

Emphasizes trust and expectation of support between individuals.

support one another

Highlights the act of providing assistance and encouragement mutually.

lean on each other

Suggests emotional or practical support during difficult times.

trust one another

Focuses on the foundational element of confidence and faith in each other's actions.

collaborate closely

Implies working together intimately, where reliance is implicit in the collaboration.

cooperate fully

Stresses the joint effort and mutual assistance in achieving a common goal.

work together dependently

Highlights that the work relies on reciprocal responsibilities.

be interdependent

Indicates a state of mutual necessity and reliance for success or survival.

have each other's backs

An idiomatic expression indicating strong mutual support and protection.

FAQs

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

You can use "rely on one another" to describe situations where individuals or groups mutually depend on each other for support, assistance, or resources. For example, "In times of crisis, neighbors often "rely on one another" for help and comfort."

What's a more formal way to say "rely on one another"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "depend on each other" or "be interdependent". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while conveying a more professional tone.

Is it always clear when to use "rely on one another" versus "help each other"?

"Rely on one another" emphasizes a deeper level of dependence and trust, suggesting that success or well-being is contingent on mutual support. "Help each other", on the other hand, can refer to more sporadic or less critical assistance. Think about the level of dependence when choosing the right phrase.

Are there any common misinterpretations of the phrase "rely on one another"?

A common mistake is assuming that "rely on one another" implies equal contributions in all areas. It simply indicates that each party provides essential support, which may differ in nature or intensity depending on individual strengths and needs. Consider using alternatives such as "support one another" to emphasize collaboration.