to rely upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to rely upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are looking to someone or something for help or guidance. For example, "In times of difficulty, I rely upon my family for emotional and financial support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fewer have families to rely upon.

The Guardian

He had no one to rely upon, really," he said.

The Guardian

"A principal needs to rely upon a single person".

The New York Times

Not one to rely upon, despite canny connections.

Independent

"However, we need a legitimate evaluation system to rely upon".

The New York Times

However, there are three reasons not to rely upon plastic.

Independent

It means a stand-up guy, someone to rely upon, someone who won't let you down.

The Guardian - Film

They used to rely upon the fact that they thought we were soft.

The New York Times

Coughlin often seems to rely upon interviews with Iraqi exiles or opposition leaders in London.

The New York Times - Books

We won't be able to rely upon pristine upstate watersheds for our drinking water forever.

The New York Times

Not if we have only our present solutions and structures to rely upon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "to rely upon" can add a layer of sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "to rely upon" in very informal contexts. It might sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or writing. Use a more relaxed alternative like "to depend on" or "to count on" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to rely upon" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used as part of a larger clause. It indicates dependence on someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to rely upon" is a grammatically sound infinitive phrase that expresses dependence or trust. As Ludwig AI states, it is valid and usable in English. While versatile, it leans towards formality, making it suitable for academic, scientific, and professional contexts. When choosing "to rely upon", consider your audience and the desired tone, as more informal options like "to depend on" might be preferable in casual settings. Be mindful of overuse to maintain a natural writing style. With its frequent presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering its usage can elevate your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to depend on

Replaces "rely upon" with a more common synonym; more informal.

to depend upon

A more formal synonym of "to depend on".

to count on

Implies confidence in someone or something fulfilling an expectation.

to bank on

Suggests a strong degree of certainty or confidence.

to trust in

Emphasizes faith or belief in the reliability of someone or something.

to swear by

Indicates a strong belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something.

to lean on

Suggests seeking support or comfort from someone or something.

to have faith in

Highlights a belief in the positive qualities or abilities of someone or something.

to place confidence in

Formal way of expressing trust or reliance.

to be contingent on

Emphasizes that something is dependent on certain conditions.

FAQs

What does "to rely upon" mean?

The phrase "to rely upon" means to depend on someone or something for support, help or assistance. It suggests a sense of trust and confidence in the person or thing being relied upon.

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

You can use "to rely upon" in a sentence like this: "During the crisis, we had "to rely upon" the generosity of our neighbors." You can also say "We had to depend on the generosity of our neighbors".

What are some synonyms for "to rely upon"?

Some synonyms for "to rely upon" include "to depend on", "to count on", "to trust in", and "to lean on". The choice of synonym depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to rely upon" instead of "to depend on"?

While "to rely upon" and "to depend on" are often interchangeable, "to rely upon" is generally considered more formal and can be used in more formal writing or speech. "To depend on" is more common in everyday conversation.