rests on

USAGE SUMMARY

"rests on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean "depend on" or "rely on," as in the following example sentence: Our success rests on hard work and dedication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And it all rests on one word.

Huffington Post

"Everything rests on it.

The New York Times

Democracy rests on them.

The New Yorker

It rests on five elements.

The Economist

"Everything rests on this.

The Guardian - Sport

That rests on goodwill".

The Guardian

Everything now rests on George Osborne's judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A gun rests on his lap.

The Economist

The season probably rests on it.

The New York Times - Sports

But Chrysler hardly rests on its laurels.

The New York Times

So much in life rests on appearances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rests on" to clearly indicate the foundation or basis of an argument, idea, or system. For example: "The success of the project rests on effective teamwork."

Common error

While "rests on" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very informal writing where simpler alternatives like "depends on" might sound more natural. Consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rests on" functions primarily as a prepositional verb indicating dependence or reliance. Ludwig shows it is used to express the foundation upon which an idea, argument, or system is built.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rests on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express dependence or reliance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. As the examples show, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While "rests on" is generally appropriate for neutral to formal writing, consider simpler alternatives like "depends on" for very informal settings. Remember to use "rests on" with singular subjects and "rest on" with plural subjects. Effective use of this phrase will help you clearly articulate the foundations and conditions underlying your ideas and arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relies upon

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating trust and dependence.

depends upon

This alternative emphasizes reliance, similar to "rests on", but is slightly more formal.

is contingent on

This phrase highlights conditionality, indicating that something is dependent on a specific factor.

hinges on

This option suggests that everything turns or depends on a particular point or factor.

is predicated on

This alternative is more formal and suggests that something is based or founded on a particular assumption or condition.

is reliant on

Focuses on the dependence of one thing on another for support or function.

is based upon

This option indicates a foundation or starting point, similar to relying on something.

is underpinned by

Implies a strong foundational support, suggesting a deeper reliance.

turns on

Highlights the critical importance of a single element or factor.

is conditional upon

Emphasizes that the outcome is subject to certain conditions being met.

FAQs

What does "rests on" mean?

The phrase "rests on" means depends on, is based on, or relies on. It indicates that something is supported by or contingent upon something else.

How to use "rests on" in a sentence?

You can use "rests on" to show that an idea, argument, or plan relies on a particular foundation or condition. For instance, "The entire case "hinges on" this piece of evidence".

What can I say instead of "rests on"?

You can use alternatives like "depends on", "relies on", or "is based on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "rests on" or "rest on"?

"Rests on" is used when the subject is singular, while "rest on" is used when the subject is plural. For example, "The decision rests on this evidence" (singular) versus "Our hopes rest on these results" (plural).