rely on

rely on — 片語動詞

  • 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

依賴；依靠

需要某人或某物才能運作

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.

這個地區的許多小型農場依賴季節性雨水來灌溉作物。

rely on + noun + to-infinitive for desired result

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

Mei 腳踝受傷後，每週都得靠鄰居幫她買日用品。

常見搭配
  • rely on somebody/something for
  • rely on somebody/something to
  • rely heavily on
  • rely mainly on
  • rely solely on
  • rely entirely on
  • rely increasingly on
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

信賴；信任

確信某人或某物會按預期行事

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.

你永遠可以信賴 Amira，她總是提早十分鐘到——她非常守時。

rely on + person + to-infinitive for expected behaviour

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

走這條步道的健行者靠橘色標記在森林中認路。

常見搭配
  • can rely on
  • could rely on
  • always rely on
  • rely on somebody to
  • rely on something for
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.