rested on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rested on" is correct and usable in written English.
It has multiple uses and can be used to describe someone's physical posture, a habit, or an idea. For example, "She rested on her crutches, waiting for the bus to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His revolver rested on a dresser.

The New Yorker

His fame rested on solid personal achievements.

The Guardian - Books

A gleaming Streamliner rested on his desk.

The New Yorker

Offstage, her hands rested on showgirls' knees.

The New Yorker

Feminism rested on the principle of equality.

The New Yorker

These hopes rested on America.

The Guardian

Alabama's land rush rested on expensive cotton.

The Economist

The Iraq decision rested on flawed intelligence.

The Guardian

The globe rested on a small stand.

The New York Times

A gray fedora rested on the altar.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

An alarm clock rested on the dashboard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rested on" to accurately convey physical placement, reliance on principles, or the basis of an idea. For example, "His argument rested on solid evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "rested on" when a more precise verb like 'depended', 'relied', or 'based' would better capture the intended meaning, particularly in abstract discussions. For example, instead of 'The decision rested on several factors', consider 'The decision depended on several factors'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rested on" functions primarily as a prepositional verb phrase, indicating either physical placement or a basis for something. Ludwig examples illustrate both uses, showing physical objects resting on surfaces and abstract concepts relying on certain foundations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rested on" serves as a versatile prepositional verb phrase indicating either physical support or foundational reliance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in various contexts. Its frequency is common, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to ensure that "rested on" accurately reflects the intended meaning, and more precise alternatives might be more suitable in some abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relied upon

Indicates a similar sense of dependence or reliance, emphasizing the act of depending on something.

depended on

Similar to "relied upon", this phrase highlights the condition of being contingent or reliant on something else.

was contingent on

Emphasizes the conditional nature of something, where its existence or outcome is dependent on another factor.

was predicated on

Highlights the foundation or basis upon which something is built or established.

was based on

Similar to "was predicated on", indicating a foundational relationship.

leaned on

Implies a supportive or dependent relationship, often suggesting seeking support or validation.

was situated on

Focuses on the physical placement or location of something atop another object.

was positioned on

Similar to "was situated on", but may also imply a strategic or intentional placement.

was supported by

Highlights the structural or logical support provided by something else.

was underpinned by

Suggests a fundamental or underlying support system.

FAQs

How is "rested on" used in a sentence?

The phrase "rested on" can indicate physical placement, as in "The book rested on the table", or reliance, as in "His argument "depended on" strong evidence".

What are some alternatives to "rested on"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "relied on", ""depended on"", "was based on", or "was contingent on".

Which is correct: "rested on" or "rested upon"?

Both "rested on" and "rested upon" are grammatically correct and interchangeable. "Rested on" is more common in contemporary usage.

How does the meaning of "rested on" change depending on the context?

In a physical context, "rested on" means to be physically supported by something. In an abstract context, it means to be based or dependent on something, similar to saying something "hinged on" a specific point.