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count on — rely on

phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcore

To trust someone or something to do what you need or expect.

Say it like a native

Textbook You may rely upon my assistance at all times.

Native You can count on me.

'Rely upon at all times' is stiff; 'count on someone' is the warm, everyday version.

Pattern: count on + noun/pronoun

In use

  • You can always count on Sarah to help when you need her.daily life
  • In my opinion, it’s important to have friends you can count on, especially during difficult times.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ You can count on me to helping you.

✓ You can count on me to help you.

'Count on someone TO + base verb' — not '-ing'.

Common collocations

  • count on + person — me, you, him, us

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'count', which means to say numbers in order.

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