to rely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to rely on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone needs to depend on someone else or something else for support or help. For example, "During these difficult times, we have to rely on each other for emotional support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Better to rely on God.

The New York Times

We learned to rely on one another".

The New York Times

"We have to rely on the system".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to rely on the voters".

The New York Times

"You have to rely on other people".

The New York Times

They want to rely on themselves.

Independent

The first is to rely on inertia.

The Economist

"We have to rely on the data".

The New York Times

He knows who to rely on now.

Independent

Now he has to rely on persuasion.

The Economist

It makes sense to rely on them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to rely on", ensure that the subject being relied upon is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "During the power outage, we had to rely on candles for light."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "rely". It is "rely on", not "rely in" or "rely at". Correct: "You can rely on me". Incorrect: "You can rely in me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to rely on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating dependence or trust in someone or something. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as relying on a system, data, or other people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to rely on" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate dependence or trust. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives such as "to depend on" or "to count on" offer similar meanings, but "to rely on" specifically suggests a sense of confidence in the subject being depended upon. Remember to use the correct preposition "on" and clearly define what is being relied upon to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to depend on

Indicates a similar meaning of needing someone or something for support.

to count on

Implies a sense of trust and expectation in someone's actions.

to bank on

Suggests a strong confidence and certainty in a particular outcome or person.

to trust in

Emphasizes the belief and confidence in someone's reliability.

to have faith in

Highlights a strong belief and confidence, often in the face of uncertainty.

to lean on

Implies seeking support or comfort from someone during difficult times.

to reckon with

Suggests acknowledging the importance or influence of someone or something, often in a challenging situation.

to swear by

Indicates strong belief and endorsement of something based on positive experience.

to place confidence in

Formally expresses the act of entrusting someone or something with responsibility or reliance.

to pin your hopes on

Indicates placing a great deal of expectation and reliance on a particular outcome or person.

FAQs

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

You can use "to rely on" to indicate dependence or trust. For example, "In times of crisis, it's important "to depend on" your friends and family".

What is the difference between "to rely on" and "to depend on"?

"To rely on" and "to depend on" are often interchangeable, both implying a need for support or assistance. However, "rely on" can sometimes suggest a greater degree of trust or confidence.

Which is more formal, "to rely on" or "to depend on"?

Both "to rely on" and "to depend on" are suitable for formal and informal contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "to rely on"?

Alternatives to "to rely on" include "to count on", "to trust in", or "to have faith in", depending on the specific context.