Phrasal verbs "count on" vs "count upon"

Differences between count on and count upon

Both count on and count upon have the same meaning, which is to rely on someone or something. However, count upon is less common than count on and is considered more formal.

Meanings and Definitions: count on vs count upon

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Count on

• 1. Depend, rely.

  You can COUNT ON them; if they have promised to do something, they'll do it.

• 2. Expect 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 upon

• 1. Expect something to happen and base plans on it.

  I was COUNTING UPON their support and lost because they didn't vote my way.

• 2. Depend, rely.

  I COUNT UPON them to help me.

Usage Examples: count on, count upon 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 upon

Example

You can always count upon me to help you with your homework.

Example

She counts upon her friends to support her during tough times.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Count on

rely on

To depend on someone or something for support or help.

Example

I can always rely on my best friend to be there for me when I need her.

bank on

To depend on something happening or someone doing something.

Example

We're banking on the weather being good for our outdoor event.

trust in

To have faith or confidence in someone or something.

Example

I trust in my team's ability to complete the project on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Count upon

rely upon

To depend on someone or something for support or help.

Example

The company relies upon its employees to provide excellent customer service.

have faith in

To believe in someone or something and trust that they will do what is expected.

Example

I have faith in my team's ability to win the championship.

place confidence in

To trust or have faith in someone or something.

Example

The investors place confidence in the company's management team to make wise decisions.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “count”

• count up
• count down
• count upon
• count against
• count out

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• harp on
• hit on
• roll on!
• fall back on
• lean on

Phrasal Verbs with “upon”

• prey upon
• come upon
• stumble upon
• dwell upon
• play upon

Differences in count on vs count upon: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: count on or count upon?

In everyday conversation, count on is more commonly used than count upon. Count on is a phrasal verb that is frequently used in daily communication, while count upon is less common and is mainly used in formal writing or speech.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of count on and count upon

Count upon is considered more formal than count on. It is often used in academic writing, formal speeches, or legal documents. On the other hand, count on is more informal and is used in everyday conversations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of count on and count upon

The tone of both count on and count upon is similar, but count upon may sound more serious or formal than count on. Both phrases convey a sense of trust and reliability.

count on & count upon: Synonyms and Antonyms

Count on

Synonyms

• depend
• rely
• trust
• bank on
• lean on
• confide in
• have faith in
• believe in

Antonyms

• distrust
• doubt
• disbelieve
• mistrust
• question
• suspect
• skepticism

Count upon

Synonyms

• trust
• expect
• anticipate
• depend on
• rely on
• bank on
• lean on
• confide in
• have faith in

Antonyms

• distrust
• doubt
• disbelieve
• mistrust
• question
• skepticism
• uncertainty