simply rely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply rely on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to depend or trust in something without any complications or difficulties. Example: In order to succeed in life, one cannot simply rely on luck. Hard work and determination are also necessary.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is one big reason that outsourcing providers can't simply rely on being low-cost and must be nimble enough to adapt and provide strategic insights.

Forbes

"It cannot simply rely on the past".

The New York Times

Why not simply rely on the data?

The Guardian

But Finntroll does not simply rely on a jokey gimmick.

The New Yorker

He emphasized that the legislation did not simply rely on an improved performance by regulators.

The New York Times

"But we cannot simply rely on social entrepreneurship for what the government needs to do.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes, he added, doctors simply rely on records of what patients were able to tolerate before.

The New York Times - Health

The new president thinks he can simply rely on his advisers for the bottom line.

The New York Times

For Franco, who cannot simply rely on fastballs, the adjustment period is ongoing.

The New York Times - Sports

Luxury brands should advocate beliefs to customers rather than simply rely on brand values.

The Guardian

* The stock markets should be taught that they cannot simply rely on handouts when they get it wrong.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply rely on" to emphasize the ease or lack of complexity in depending on something. This can be effective when contrasting it with more complicated approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "simply rely on" when the situation involves a high degree of uncertainty or risk. It's often more accurate and responsible to acknowledge potential drawbacks or limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply rely on" functions as a verb phrase that indicates dependence or trust in something. It highlights that the reliance is uncomplicated and requires no additional effort or complex strategies. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used to describe a straightforward approach or expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply rely on" is a versatile verb phrase used to express straightforward dependence or trust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While appropriate for many situations, it's crucial to consider the context and choose more nuanced alternatives in formal or academic writing. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates the object of reliance and its justification. Avoid overstating confidence when uncertainty exists. Remember, as the provided examples show, "simply rely on" conveys a sense of ease and directness, but careful consideration is needed to ensure accurate and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just depend on

Replaces "rely" with "depend", suggesting a direct and uncomplicated dependence.

merely count on

Substitutes "rely" with "count", implying a level of expectation and trust.

solely trust in

Replaces "rely" with "trust", focusing on confidence and faith in something, and "simply" with "solely" to add emphasis.

plainly bank on

Uses "bank on" instead of "rely on", which suggest confidence in a predicted outcome or expectation, and replaces "simply" with "plainly" to denote clarity and directness.

unconditionally depend upon

Implies reliance without any reservations or conditions.

absolutely swear by

Replaces "rely on" with the idiom "swear by", indicating a strong belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something, while also removing "simply" to emphasize the degree of trust.

completely lean on

Uses "lean on" instead of "rely on", indicating a heavy reliance or dependence for support.

just have faith in

Substitutes "rely" with "have faith", emphasizing trust and belief, particularly when outcomes are uncertain.

confidently place trust in

Focuses on the act of entrusting something with confidence.

naively assume

Emphasizes an almost foolish or uninformed reliance or assumption.

FAQs

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

The phrase "simply rely on" suggests depending on something without needing complex actions. For example, "You can "simply rely on" the instructions provided" indicates that no additional steps are needed.

What are some alternatives to "simply rely on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "just depend on", "merely count on", or "solely trust in". Each alternative has a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to say "simply rely on" in formal writing?

Yes, "simply rely on" is grammatically correct, as verified by Ludwig AI. However, in very formal contexts, you may prefer more sophisticated alternatives to add analytical depth, but is perfectly acceptable.

What does it mean to "simply rely on" something?

To "simply rely on" something means to depend on it in a straightforward, uncomplicated manner. It implies that no extra effort or complex strategies are necessary.