we should not count on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we should not count on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or caution about relying on someone or something in a particular situation. Example: "Given the unpredictable weather, we should not count on having a picnic this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

declared, last November, that Zika is no longer a global emergency, we should not count on an end to outbreaks anytime soon — more likely, new beginnings.

The New Yorker

More ethics is always good, probably, but we should not count on grafters to suddenly start listing "bribes" under "other income" on financial-disclosure forms.

The New York Times

Even if he departs the scene before 2024, we should not count on his successor to become our friend.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But we shouldn't count on it, and we shouldn't whine either.

The New York Times

So maybe we shouldn't count on the eat-more-protein-reduce-stroke-risk news.

Harvard University

There are a lot of uncertainties about this natural gas; some experts warn that we shouldn't count on it.

MIT Technology Review

"We shouldn't count on it until it is up and running and all the lawsuits are resolved".

The New York Times

On North Korea, he hopes Mr Kerry will "explore engagement", which seems like a nice idea that we shouldn't count on to produce any more than it did the last time around.

The Economist

Either would be nice, of course, but we shouldn't count on it.

Huffington Post

We may be lucky to discover that Trump might be an incompetent leader and unable to unite the Republicans, but we shouldn't count on it.

HuffPost

And if we want the men and women making it to be guided by principle, not politics, it surely doesn't help for journalists to lavish attention on electoral calculations and thereby send our own signal: that we don't expect, and voters shouldn't count on, anything nobler.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we should not count on", clarify what alternative actions or plans should be considered instead. This provides a more constructive and actionable message.

Common error

Avoid using "we should not count on" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. If evidence strongly suggests something will not happen, use a more definitive statement to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should not count on" functions as a hedge or a cautionary statement. It advises against placing too much reliance on a particular outcome or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we should not count on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to advise caution and manage expectations. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. To enhance clarity, always suggest alternative actions when using this phrase. While versatile, avoid overusing it when certainty is warranted. Consider related phrases like "we ought not to rely on" or "avoid depending on" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ought not to rely on

Replaces "should" with "ought to" and "count on" with "rely on", maintaining a formal tone.

we cannot depend on

Uses "cannot" instead of "should not" for a stronger expression of impossibility, and "depend on" instead of "count on".

it's unwise to expect

Shifts the focus to the wisdom of expecting something, implying a cautionary approach.

it would be imprudent to assume

Uses more formal vocabulary such as "imprudent" and "assume", suggesting a lack of good judgment.

we shouldn't bank on

Employs the idiom "bank on" which means to rely on something to happen.

we can't anticipate

Focuses on the inability to foresee or expect something with certainty.

it's risky to presume

Highlights the element of risk involved in making assumptions.

we must not take for granted

Emphasizes the importance of not assuming something will occur without effort or consideration.

avoid depending on

Directly advises against reliance on something or someone.

don't get your hopes up for

Is an informal way to advise someone not to expect something, often because it is unlikely to happen.

FAQs

What does "we should not count on" mean?

The phrase "we should not count on" means we shouldn't rely on something or someone to happen or be true. It implies uncertainty and suggests preparing for alternative outcomes.

How can I use "we should not count on" in a sentence?

You can use it to express doubt or caution about expecting a particular outcome. For example, "Given the project's delays, "we should not count on" its completion by the deadline".

What can I say instead of "we should not count on"?

You can use alternatives like "we ought not to rely on", "avoid depending on", or "we cannot depend on", depending on the context.

Is "we should not count on" formal or informal?

"We should not count on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it would be imprudent to assume" may be more appropriate in some situations.