they rely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they rely on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing dependence or trust in someone or something for support or assistance. Example: "In times of crisis, many people rely on their friends and family for emotional support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And they rely on well understood technology.

BBC

But they rely on that.

Independent

They rely on each other".

The Guardian

They rely on existing infrastructure.

The New Yorker

They rely on us.

The Guardian

They rely on it.

The Guardian

"They rely on me".

The New York Times

Nor do they rely on footwork.

The New York Times - Sports

So they rely on experts and regulators.

The New York Times

They rely on different pools of capital.

The Economist

They rely on very specialized mathematical assumptions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they rely on", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they rely on" without a clear antecedent for "they". Always specify who or what is doing the relying to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they rely on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating dependence or trust. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a common expression used to describe how a group or entity depends on something for support or assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they rely on" is a phrasal verb used to express dependence or trust in something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining the subject "they". Alternatives include "they depend on" and "they count on". Overall, "they rely on" is a versatile and widely accepted expression for indicating reliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they depend upon

Replaces "rely" with "depend", adding "upon" for a slightly more formal tone.

they count on

Uses "count on" as a more informal synonym for "rely on".

they bank on

Employs "bank on" to suggest a strong confidence in something.

they trust in

Substitutes "rely" with "trust", focusing on the aspect of confidence.

they lean on

Uses "lean on" to convey a sense of seeking support.

they hinge on

Replaces the verb "rely" to indicate something crucial or pivotal

they place confidence in

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of entrusting

their dependence is on

Shifts to a noun-based structure, highlighting the state of dependence

they are sustained by

Alters the expression to indicate a supportive or nourishing element

they put faith in

Uses a similar expression to emphasize belief and trust

FAQs

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

Use "they rely on" to indicate that a group or entity depends on something or someone for support or assistance. For example, "The students "they rely on" their teacher for guidance".

What are some alternatives to "they rely on"?

You can use alternatives such as "they depend on", "they count on", or "they trust in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they rely on it"?

Yes, "they rely on it" is grammatically correct. The pronoun "it" should refer to something previously mentioned in the context.

What's the difference between "they rely on" and "they depend on"?

"They rely on" and "they depend on" are often used interchangeably. "Depend" can sometimes imply a greater necessity or consequence if the reliance is not met.