we relied on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we relied on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing dependence or trust in a particular source, person, or method for information or support. Example: "In our research, we relied on data from several reputable studies to support our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We relied on the fact that no one was expecting me.

Vice

We relied on his word.

The New York Times - Sports

We relied on his commitment.

The New York Times - Sports

"We relied on our engineers.

The New York Times

"We relied on their judgment".

The New York Times

"We relied on the county's environmental review.

The New York Times

Then, we relied on rumours from "the community".

The Guardian

We relied on a crude mix of anecdote and instinct.

The New Yorker

"It was devastating since we relied on referrals.

The New York Times

"We relied on it and we hit rock bottom," he said.

The Guardian

If we relied on two or three players, we'd be dead in the water".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we relied on", clearly specify what or whom you depended on to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We relied on the data from reputable sources".

Common error

Avoid presenting information solely based on what "we relied on" without independently verifying its accuracy or acknowledging potential biases in the source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we relied on" serves as a verb phrase indicating dependence on a particular source, method, or person. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we relied on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey dependence or trust in a particular source or method. Ludwig AI validates its common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific publications. While alternatives like "we depended on" and "we counted on" exist, "we relied on" effectively communicates reliance with an implication of trust. When using this phrase, ensuring clarity about the source of reliance and validating that source independently are key best practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we depended on

Indicates a similar sense of dependence, but can sometimes imply a stronger need or necessity.

we counted on

Suggests a sense of trust and expectation that someone or something would be available or reliable.

we trusted in

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

we leaned on

Implies seeking support or comfort, in addition to relying on something for a specific purpose.

we banked on

Suggests a strong conviction or assurance that something will happen or be successful.

we placed our faith in

Highlights the aspect of belief and confidence in someone or something.

we put our trust in

Similar to "we placed our faith in", but with a slightly more active connotation.

we based our actions on

Focuses on the idea that something served as the foundation or justification for a particular course of action.

we took for granted

While semantically similar in some contexts, this phrase often implies a lack of appreciation for the thing relied upon.

we made use of

Focuses on the action of using something, rather than the dependence on its reliability.

FAQs

What does "we relied on" mean?

The phrase "we relied on" indicates that a group (represented by "we") depended on something or someone for support, information, or success. It implies a sense of trust or dependence on the specified source.

What can I say instead of "we relied on"?

You can use alternatives like "we depended on", "we counted on", or "we trusted in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we relied on" or "we depended on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and express a similar meaning. "We relied on" often implies a sense of trust and confidence, while "we depended on" can suggest a greater degree of necessity or need.

How can I use "we relied on" in a research paper?

In a research paper, use "we relied on" to explain the sources or methods you used to gather information or support your arguments. For example, "We relied on data from previous studies to inform our analysis."