rely on the

USAGE SUMMARY

"rely on the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone as having confidence in something or someone. For example, "His success was due to his hard work and reliance on the support of his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Never rely on the weather.

Independent

"We have to rely on the voters".

The New York Times

E-books rely on the Kindle app.

The New York Times - Tech

"We have to rely on the system".

The New York Times - Sports

"It cannot simply rely on the past".

The New York Times

"We have to rely on the data".

The New York Times

Don't rely on the troopers, either.

The New Yorker

They rely on the state".

The Guardian

"We rely on the buses".

The New York Times

Both rely on the same philosophy.

The New York Times

"We don't rely on the cards.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what or whom you are depending on. For instance, "Don't "rely on the" weather forecast for your picnic plans; always have a backup."

Common error

Avoid using "rely on the" without clearly specifying what 'the' refers to. For example, instead of saying "We "rely on the" system," specify which system is being referenced: "We "rely on the" hospital's emergency response system."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely on the" functions as a verb phrase, indicating dependence or trust. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to express confidence in a particular entity or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rely on the" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express trust or dependence. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to avoid vague references by clearly specifying what 'the' refers to. Alternatives like "depend on the" or "count on the" can be used depending on the intended nuance. When using "rely on the", be sure to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid over-reliance on untrustworthy sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on the

Implies a strong need for something or someone, similar to relying but potentially suggesting more necessity.

count on the

Suggests confidence that someone or something will be available or reliable when needed.

bank on the

Indicates a strong certainty or expectation, often used when making plans or decisions.

trust in the

Emphasizes the belief in the reliability or integrity of something or someone.

lean on the

Suggests seeking support or assistance from something or someone during a difficult time.

hinge on the

Indicates that the outcome or success of something is entirely dependent on a particular factor.

rest on the

Similar to 'hinge on', suggesting that something is fundamentally based or dependent on something else.

swear by the

Implies strong approval and reliance on something based on personal experience.

place confidence in the

A more formal way of expressing trust and reliance.

put faith in the

Suggests a belief in the trustworthiness and reliability of something, often without concrete evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "rely on the" to indicate dependence or trust in something or someone. For example, "We "rely on the" data provided by the study," or "You can "count on the" support of your friends during difficult times."

What are some alternatives to "rely on the"?

Some alternatives include "depend on the", "count on the", or "bank on the", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "rely on the" or "depend on the"?

Both "rely on the" and "depend on the" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Rely on the" might suggest a bit more confidence in the source of reliance, while "depend on the" might imply a more critical need.

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

It may be inappropriate to use "rely on the" when the source of reliance is extremely uncertain or untrustworthy. In such cases, it would be more accurate to express caution or doubt rather than reliance. Alternatively, you may rephrase the sentence to indicate you "place confidence in the" source.