rely upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"rely upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a situation in which you are depending on or trusting someone or something. Example: I rely upon my friends to always be honest with me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Our enemies rely upon surprise and deception.

The New York Times

Fewer have families to rely upon.

The Guardian

They should not rely upon words alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Taser proponents rely upon the myth that these are nonlethal.

The New York Times

But he did not rely upon introspection alone.

The Guardian - Books

He had no one to rely upon, really," he said.

The Guardian

"A principal needs to rely upon a single person".

The New York Times

These communities rely upon sustainable policies for land management.

The New York Times

This is the dynamic that terrorists rely upon.

The Guardian - Opinion

I rely upon no evacuations until they are large & bilious".

The New York Times - Science

There are no rules you can consistently rely upon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in formal setting, remember that "rely upon" expresses a sense of trust and dependability.

Common error

While "rely upon" is grammatically sound, excessively using formal phrases can make your writing sound stilted. Consider whether a simpler alternative like "depend on" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely upon" functions as a verb phrase, indicating dependence or trust in someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples of it in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rely upon" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that signifies dependence or trust. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to recognize its slightly formal tone. As a best practice, consider the context of your writing and whether a simpler alternative such as "depend on" might be more appropriate, specially because there are situations where excessive formality can hinder clarity. The phrase commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, demonstrating its versatility across diverse forms of formal communication. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "rely upon" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Depend on

A more common and slightly less formal alternative, indicating a similar sense of reliance.

Count on

Suggests confidence in someone's dependability to fulfill expectations.

Bank on

Implies a strong degree of certainty and confidence in a particular outcome or action.

Trust in

Emphasizes faith and confidence in someone's integrity or ability.

Lean on

Highlights seeking support or comfort from someone during difficult times.

Place reliance on

A more formal way to express dependence, often used in legal or official contexts.

Have faith in

Highlights the aspect of belief and conviction in someone or something.

Be dependent on

A more descriptive way of stating that one thing is conditional upon another.

Rest on

Suggests that something is based or founded on a particular premise or fact.

Swear by

Indicates a strong belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something based on personal experience.

FAQs

How does "rely upon" differ from "depend on"?

While both phrases mean to count on something, "rely upon" is generally considered more formal than "depend on". The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "rely upon" in formal writing?

While "rely upon" fits well in formal contexts, avoid overuse. Sometimes, a simpler phrase like "depend on" can improve clarity and readability, even in formal writing.

What are some synonyms for "rely upon" that maintain a similar level of formality?

Alternatives such as "place reliance on", "rest on", or "count on" can maintain a formal tone similar to "rely upon", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what situations is "rely upon" the most suitable choice?

"Rely upon" is particularly suitable in legal documents, formal reports, or academic papers where a slightly elevated tone is desired to convey a sense of gravity and considered judgment.