Phrasal verb
bank on
Informal
Definition
phrasal verb. to rely on something happening or to base your plans on it.
phrasal verb. to depend on a specific occurrence or outcome with confidence; often used in the negative to warn against over-reliance on an uncertain event.
Examples
“I'm banking on the weather being sunny for our picnic.”
“You shouldn't bank on getting a promotion this year, as the company is cutting costs.”
“The startup was banking on a massive influx of venture capital to sustain its operations through the third quarter.”
Examples
simple
“I'm banking on the weather being sunny for our picnic.”
contextual
“You shouldn't bank on getting a promotion this year, as the company is cutting costs.”
complex
“The startup was banking on a massive influx of venture capital to sustain its operations through the third quarter.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bank on” in context.
Verb
01. bank on a promotion
“She was banking on a promotion this year, so she was disappointed when it didn't happen.”
verb + noun
02. bank on success
“The company is banking on success in the Asian market to boost its annual profits.”
verb + noun
03. bank on winning
“You shouldn't bank on winning the lottery as your only retirement plan.”
verb + noun
Adverb
04. hardly bank on
“We can hardly bank on the weather staying clear for the entire weekend.”
adv + verb
05. heavily bank on
“The local economy heavily banks on tourism during the summer months.”
adv + verb
06. safely bank on
“You can safely bank on the train being late during the rush hour.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing form).
Teaching tip
connect the meaning to the idea of 'putting money in a bank' for security; contrast with 'count on' which is a very close synonym but slightly more common in daily speech.
Pitfall
I bank on that he will help.
I am banking on him helping.
this phrase is followed by a noun or a gerund, not a 'that' clause.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bank + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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