totally rely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally rely on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of trusting somebody or something fully. For example, "I totally rely on my doctor's advice to stay healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"And, if we are actually saying we totally rely on one player to get us through the group stage, then we may as well not go.

BBC

Not willing to totally rely on prayers, however, she decided to join the lines at the fair.

The New York Times

Fish and Wildlife's national sea-turtle coordinator, Sandy MacPherson, told me: "We totally rely on those groups every year.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If we get to the point that we totally rely on foreign sources, we will periodically pay $2, maybe $2.25, for a gallon of gas," Mr. Cheney said.

The New York Times

"I'm lucky enough to work several jobs, so I don't have to totally rely on bar hours to pay my rent But I work with a chap with a young family to support, and he has no reliable way of ensuring he will get enough hours to pay the bills.

The Guardian - Business

We totally rely on private generators.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We're totally relying on one player," Cornwell said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Great player that Rooney is, if we are a team that totally relies on one player, then we are not going to win anything anyhow".

BBC

"I was totally relying on my palate," she said.

The New York Times

The whole of the NHS totally relies on the goodwill of those people who work in it.

The Guardian

The fact that the modern age totally relies on science and technology is rarely acknowledged.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "totally rely on", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is being depended upon and the nature of that dependence. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "totally rely on" when a partial reliance is more accurate. Overstating the dependence can weaken your argument if the subject is perceived as not entirely trustworthy or consistent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally rely on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating complete dependence or trust. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it connects a subject with the object of their reliance, emphasizing the extent of this dependence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally rely on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate complete dependence or trust, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While appearing across various contexts like news, science, and general writing, it’s crucial to use it judiciously to accurately reflect the level of dependence. Be mindful of overstating reliance and ensure clarity regarding what or who is being depended upon. Consider alternatives like "completely depend on" or "absolutely trust in" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely depend on

Emphasizes the completeness of the dependence.

absolutely trust in

Highlights the aspect of trust and confidence.

fully count on

Focuses on the expectation of support or assistance.

wholly depend upon

A more formal way of expressing complete dependence.

unconditionally bank on

Suggests a strong and unwavering reliance.

implicitly trust

Implies a trust that is not openly expressed but is deeply felt.

place complete faith in

Emphasizes the belief in the reliability of something.

swear by

To have great confidence in something

lean heavily on

Suggests a significant degree of support is derived from something.

be utterly dependent on

Highlights the lack of independence.

FAQs

What does "totally rely on" mean?

The phrase "totally rely on" means to depend completely on someone or something. It indicates a full trust and expectation that the person or thing will provide what is needed.

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

You can use "totally rely on" to express complete dependence. For example, "We "totally rely on" private generators during power outages" or "Patients "totally rely on" their cardiologist's advice".

What are some alternatives to "totally rely on"?

Some alternatives to "totally rely on" include "completely depend on", "absolutely trust in", or "fully count on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "totally rely on" or "completely rely on"?

Both "totally rely on" and "completely rely on" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context. "Completely rely on" might sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.