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count on

to depend on

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (phrasal verb) to rely on someone or something; to depend on

2. (phrasal verb) to expect something to happen

Examples

• 1. You can count on me to help you move to your new apartment.
• 2. We're counting on good weather for the outdoor wedding.

How to use count on

Count on expresses reliance or dependence in everyday contexts, often with a tone of confidence or trust. It is used both for depending on people and for expecting outcomes, though 'rely on' is slightly more formal. The negative form 'don't count on it' is common when discouraging unrealistic expectations.

Common phrases

• count on someone for help
• count on your support
• can count on it
• you can count on me
• count on someone to do something
• don't count on it

Synonyms

rely on · depend on · bank on · lean on · reckon on

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the meaning with 'count' (enumerate) and may be unclear about whether 'count on' requires a person or can be used with abstract outcomes; it works naturally with both, e.g., 'count on the weather' or 'count on a friend.'

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

catch on, come across, come up with, cut down on, deal with, draw up

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained