was relied on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was relied on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something or someone that was depended upon in the past. Example: "The information provided by the expert was relied on to make critical decisions during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In the ensuing campaign, television was relied on by both parties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have to find out how much this lab was relied on, because typically you would not rely solely on one lab".

The New York Times

"It was relied on too heavily, and it wasn't working".

The New York Times

The bayonet, which was relied on by the prewar French Army as the decisive weapon, actually produced few casualties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The contrast between matters of fact and relations between meanings that was relied on in the characterization has been challenged, together with the very notion of meaning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The US in particular was relied on as the world's consumer of last resort and its households leaned on rising house prices to borrow.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"I was relying on running fast and hanging on".

The New York Times - Sports

He was relying on guile and guts.

The New York Times - Sports

She said she was relying on Ms. Allen.

The New York Times

"I was relying on the transcript before".

The New York Times

Falafel was relying on them to help him lose weight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was relied on", ensure that the subject is clearly identified and the reason for reliance is evident in the context. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was relied on" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The study was relied on by the researchers", consider "The researchers relied on the study" for a more concise and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was relied on" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of relying. It often introduces information that something or someone was trusted or depended upon to achieve a specific purpose. Ludwig examples show different contexts in which this structure is used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was relied on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that expresses dependence or trust in a particular entity. Ludwig AI confirms it is valid. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts and maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject and the reason for reliance are clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "was depended upon" or "was counted on" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was depended upon

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "relied" with "depended", maintaining the passive voice and similar level of formality.

was counted on

This alternative is slightly less formal than "was relied on", suggesting a more personal or direct expectation.

was trusted

This alternative shifts the focus to trust, emphasizing the confidence placed in something or someone.

was banked on

This alternative suggests a strong expectation or confidence in a particular outcome or action, similar to betting on it.

was leaned on

This alternative evokes the image of seeking support or assistance, implying a need for something to function or succeed.

was used as a basis

This alternative focuses on the foundational aspect of reliance, highlighting that something served as a starting point or justification.

was predicated on

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing that something was based or founded on a specific assumption or condition.

was contingent upon

This alternative stresses the conditional aspect of reliance, indicating that something depended on a specific circumstance or event.

was built upon

This alternative suggests a gradual development or accumulation, where something was constructed or expanded based on a previous element.

was underpinned by

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the support or foundation provided by something, often used in academic or technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "was relied on" in a sentence?

Use "was relied on" to indicate that something or someone was depended upon for a specific purpose. For example: "The expert's testimony was relied on by the jury during the trial."

What is a more formal alternative to "was relied on"?

A more formal alternative includes phrases such as "was predicated on" or "was contingent upon", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "was relied on" and "was depended on"?

The phrases "was relied on" and "was depended on" are largely synonymous and interchangeable. However, "was relied on" might suggest a slightly greater degree of trust or confidence.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is relied on" instead of "was relied on"?

The choice between "was relied on" and "is relied on" depends on the tense you want to convey. "Was relied on" refers to a past action or state, while "is relied on" refers to a present or ongoing action or state.