Phrasal verb
count on
Definition
phrasal verb. to trust or rely on someone to help you or do what they promised.
phrasal verb. to rely on someone or something with confidence; to anticipate a specific outcome as certain.
Examples
“You can always count on me for help.”
“The team is counting on their star player to score the winning goal in the final match.”
“In times of economic instability, investors often count on gold to maintain its value while other assets fluctuate wildly.”
Examples
simple
“You can always count on me for help.”
contextual
“The team is counting on their star player to score the winning goal in the final match.”
complex
“In times of economic instability, investors often count on gold to maintain its value while other assets fluctuate wildly.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “count on” in context.
Verb
01. count on someone to help
“The manager counted on his team to help finish the project by Friday.”
verb + noun + infinitive
02. count on the weather
“You can never count on the weather being sunny in London during April.”
verb + prep + noun
03. count on your friends
“It is important to know that you can count on your friends during difficult times.”
verb + possessive + noun
Adverb
04. always count on
“You can always count on Sarah to arrive on time for every meeting.”
adv + verb
05. definitely count on
“We can definitely count on their support for the upcoming charity event.”
adv + verb
06. really count on
“I knew I could really count on my brother when I needed a place to stay.”
adv + verb
Usage
always followed by an object, which can be a person, a thing, or a gerund.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'depend on' (more neutral/functional) and 'rely on' (slightly more formal); 'count on' often implies a personal expectation of loyalty or reliability.
Pitfall
I count on you for help me.
I count on you to help me.
when followed by an action, use the 'to + infinitive' structure or 'on + -ing' form.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
count + 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest 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.Grade 2
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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