What are the definitions of “count on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “count on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb count on is to depend or rely on someone or something. It means that you trust someone to do what they promised or expect something to happen as planned.
What are the different verb forms of “count on”?
| Root Verb | count on |
| Third Person Singular Present | counts on |
| Present Participle | counting on |
| Simple Past | counted on |
| Past Participle | counted on |
Example
You can always count on your best friend for support.
Example
She counts on her parents to help her with her homework.
Example
He is counting on the bus to arrive on time.
Example
They counted on the weather being nice for their outdoor event.
Example
The success of the project counted on everyone's cooperation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “count on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“count on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
You can count on me to help you.
Example
We counted on the train arriving on time.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“count on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
You can count on me to help you.
Example
We counted on the train arriving on time.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “count on”?
Good things to know
Does “count on” have an informal or formal tone?
Count on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
