Phrasal verbs "count on" vs "hinge on"

Differences between count on and hinge on

Count on means to rely on someone or something to do what they have promised or expected to do, while hinge on means to depend on a particular outcome or event.

Meanings and Definitions: count on vs hinge on

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.

Hinge on

• 1. Depend very much or completely.

  Everything HINGES ON the results of in real trouble.

• 2. Be an essential point for the development of a story.

  The film HINGES ON his not being recognised when he's in disguise.

Usage Examples: count on, hinge on 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.

hinge on

Example

The success of the project hinges on the team's ability to work together.

Example

Her decision hinges on the job offer she receives.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Count on

rely on

To trust or depend on someone or something to do what they have promised or expected to do.

Example

I can always rely on my sister to help me when I need it.

bank on

To depend on or expect something to happen in the future.

Example

We're banking on the weather being good for our outdoor party next weekend.

trust in

To have faith or confidence in someone or something to do what they have promised or expected to do.

Example

I trust in my team to finish the project on time and within budget.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hinge on

depend on

To rely on or be influenced by a particular outcome or event.

Example

The success of the project depends on securing funding from investors.

hang in the balance

To be in a state of uncertainty or suspense, waiting for a particular outcome or decision.

Example

The fate of the company hangs in the balance as the board decides on a new CEO.

rest on

To be dependent on or determined by a particular outcome or event.

Example

The outcome of the trial rests on the testimony of the key witness.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “count”

• count up
• count towards
• count out
• count down
• count for

Phrasal Verbs with “hinge”

• hinge upon

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• bargain on
• follow on
• embark on
• walk on
• seize on

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

Frequency in Daily Use: count on or hinge on?

In daily conversation, people use count on more often than hinge on. This is because count on is used in various situations where we need to rely on someone or something, such as trusting a friend or expecting a package to arrive. Hinge on is less common and usually used in specific contexts, such as discussing the outcome of an event or decision.

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

Count on and hinge on are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, hinge on may be slightly more formal than count on since it is less commonly used.

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

The tone of count on and hinge on can differ based on context. Count on often carries a positive or hopeful tone when related to trust or expectation, while hinge on typically has a more serious or uncertain tone, especially when referring to important outcomes or decisions.

count on & hinge on: 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

Hinge on

Synonyms

• depend on
• rely on
• rest on
• be contingent on
• be conditional on
• be determined by
• be influenced by
• be subject to

Antonyms

• be independent of
• be unrelated to
• be unaffected by
• be autonomous
• be self-reliant
• be self-sufficient