we were counting on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were counting on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing reliance or expectation regarding someone or something. Example: "We were counting on your support during the project." Alternative expressions include "we were relying on" and "we were depending on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Sean was a guy we were counting on to create matchup problems.

The New York Times - Sports

"Those are points that we were counting on," the Devils' Patrik Elias said.

The New York Times

That means we were counting on too many sales coming in during the last three months of the year.

Harvard Business Review

General Manager Daniels noted: "Feldman has really saved our pen this year, and he wasn't a guy we were counting on in the beginning of the season".

Wikipedia

It's Fairuza Baulk probably circa the Craft or American History X and she's explaining that you're about to watch Return to OZ. Um, that's kind of what we were counting on when he hit play, Nancy".

Vice

Last May, I got an email that turned me into a ball of tears: after struggling for months to piece together a summer camp schedule for my two kids, ages 7 and 9, the camp we were counting on for multiple weeks cancelled nearly half of my kids' sessions!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"The most that we are counting on is that the euro has bottomed out," she said.

The New York Times

"But it's definitely not something we're counting on," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is not a bunch of inexperienced people we're counting on," General Manager Ed Wade said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think that's part of what we are counting on".

The New York Times

"But it's the strength of the case we're counting on".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were counting on" to clearly express reliance or expectation, especially when the outcome affects your plans or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "we were counting on" when the expectation was merely a possibility, not a firm basis for planning. Use weaker phrases like "we hoped for" or "we considered" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were counting on" functions as a verb phrase expressing past reliance or expectation. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its use to indicate dependence on a person, event, or circumstance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were counting on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express reliance or expectation in the past. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its widespread use across various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. While alternatives like "we were relying on" offer similar meanings, understanding the subtle differences can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to consider the level of certainty and choose alternative phrases like "we had hoped for" when the expectation was not a firm basis for planning. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for conveying past dependencies and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were relying on

Replaces "counting" with "relying", emphasizing dependence.

we were depending on

Substitutes "counting" with "depending", highlighting reliance for support.

we had expected

Focuses on anticipation rather than reliance.

we had anticipated

Similar to "we had expected", but implies a more proactive expectation.

we were banking on

Uses "banking" to suggest confidence in the expected outcome.

we had foreseen

Implies a prediction of the event.

we had trusted

Shifts focus to the trust placed in someone or something.

we placed our hopes on

Emphasizes the hope associated with the expectation.

we took for granted

Suggests an assumption that may not have been valid.

we had reckoned on

Replaces "counting" with "reckoned", maintaining reliance but sounding more formal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were counting on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we were relying on", "we were depending on", or "we had anticipated". These alternatives often suit professional or academic contexts better.

What is the difference between "we were counting on" and "we had hoped for"?

"We were counting on" implies a stronger expectation and reliance, suggesting plans were made based on it. "We had hoped for" indicates a desire but not necessarily a reliance on it happening.

Is it correct to use "we are counting on" instead of "we were counting on"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "We are counting on" indicates a current expectation, while "we were counting on" refers to a past expectation.

When should I avoid using "we were counting on"?

Avoid using "we were counting on" if the expectation was highly uncertain or speculative. In such cases, phrases like "we thought" or "we believed" might be more appropriate.