phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

count on

to rely upon someone

What it means

To rely on someone or something with confidence, trusting they will not let you down. It is often used as a reassurance: 'you can count on me'.

Examples

  • You can count on Sarah to remember every single birthday.
  • Don't count on the weather; bring an umbrella just in case.
  • I'm counting on you to keep this completely confidential.
  • She knew she could count on her sister during the rough months.

Where it comes from

Inseparable. The image is of literal counting: including someone or something in your calculations because you trust them to be there.

Related phrasal verbs

#fall back on#look forward to#stand by

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