rely on

rely on — phrasal verb

  • rely onbase form
  • relies on3rd person singular
  • relying on-ing form
  • relied onpast simple

1. to need a person or thing so much that without them you cannot continue, functio

1.片語動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to need a person or thing so much that without them you cannot continue, function properly, or achieve what you want — for example, a community relying on one water well, or a student relying on a scholarship to pay for school.

例句

Many small farms in this region rely on seasonal rainwater to grow their crops.

rely on + noun + to-infinitive for desired result

After breaking her ankle, Mei relied on her neighbours to bring her groceries every week.

同義詞
  • depend on

    Nearly identical in meaning; 'depend on' is slightly more common when the need involves future outcomes rather than current function.

  • be dependent on

    More formal; often used in academic or professional writing.

  • count on

    Suggests the person or thing can be reliably expected to provide what is needed; overlaps with sense 2.

反義詞

文法句型

rely on + noun/pronoun

rely on + somebody/something + for + noun

rely on + somebody/something + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently used with adverbs such as 'heavily', 'solely', 'entirely', or 'mainly' to show the degree of dependence. The passive form 'is relied on / are relied on' is common in formal and technical writing.

常見錯誤

❌Small farmers rely to seasonal rain.
✅Small farmers rely on seasonal rain.
💡The correct preposition is always 'on', never 'to'.
❌I rely you for advice.
✅I rely on you for advice.
💡The preposition 'on' must always follow 'rely', even before an object.

2. to feel sure that someone or something will do what you expect or need them to d

2.片語動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to feel sure that someone or something will do what you expect or need them to do, because they have proved trustworthy in the past — for example, relying on a friend to keep a secret, or on a map to show the right direction.

例句

You can always rely on Amira to arrive ten minutes early — she is very punctual.

rely on + person + to-infinitive for expected behaviour

Hikers on this trail rely on orange markers to find their way through the forest.

同義詞
  • trust

    More direct and emotional; 'trust' is about belief in character, while 'rely on' can refer to both people and systems.

  • count on

    Very similar to 'rely on' in this sense; 'count on' is slightly more informal.

  • bank on

    Suggests that the expected outcome is essential to one's plans; informal.

反義詞
  • distrust

    The opposite of trusting someone or something.

  • doubt

    Less strong than 'distrust'; implies uncertainty rather than active disbelief.

文法句型

rely on + somebody + to-infinitive

rely on + somebody/something + for + noun

rely on + somebody/something + to do something

用法筆記

This sense is most natural in positive statements or with modals like 'can' and 'could'; negative clauses ('I don't rely on him') are less common and often sound weaker than using 'trust' directly. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is about necessity (you cannot function without X), while sense 2 is about confidence (you believe X will do what is expected).

常見錯誤

❌I rely for my best friend to help me.
✅I rely on my best friend to help me.
💡The preposition 'on' must directly follow 'rely', not appear after the object.
❌You cannot rely on that he will come.
✅You cannot rely on him to come.
💡After 'rely on', use an object + to-infinitive, not a that-clause.