Differences between count on and count against
Count against means to have a negative impact on something or someone, while count on means to rely on or trust someone or something.
Meanings and Definitions: count on vs count against
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Count on
- 1Depend, rely.
You can COUNT ON them; if they have promised to do something, they'll do it.
- 2Expect something to happen and base plans on it.
I was COUNTING ON the payment arriving last week and was really angry when it didn't arrive as I didn't have enough money to pay for everything.
Count against
- 1Affect negatively, make less likely to succeed.
Not having a university degree will COUNT AGAINST her.
Usage Examples: count on, count against in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
count on
Example
You can always count on your best friend for support.
Example
She counts on her parents to help her with her homework.
count against
Example
His lack of experience might count against him in the job interview.
Example
Her poor attendance record counts against her when applying for a promotion.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Count on
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Count against
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “count”
Phrasal Verbs with “on”
Phrasal Verbs with “against”
Differences in count on vs count against: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: count on or count against?
In daily conversation, people use count on more often than count against. This is because count on is used for expressing trust and reliability in everyday situations such as depending on a friend or expecting a certain outcome. Count against is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about negative consequences or disadvantages. So, while both phrases are used, count on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of count on and count against
Count on and count against are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of count on and count against
The tone of count on and count against can differ based on context. Count on often carries a positive and hopeful tone when referring to trust or reliability, while count against typically has a negative and pessimistic tone, especially when referring to disadvantages or obstacles.
