# count on

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/count-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to trust or rely on someone to help you or do what they promised.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I count on you for help me." but "I count on you to help me." — when followed by an action, use the 'to + infinitive' structure or 'on + -ing' form.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.