What does the phrasal verb “count upon” mean?

What are the definitions of “count upon”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 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.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “count upon”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb count upon is to depend on someone or something, or to expect something to happen and base your plans on it. It means that you trust someone or something to be there for you when needed.

What are the different verb forms of “count upon”?

Root Verb	count upon
Third Person Singular Present	counts upon
Present Participle	counting upon
Simple Past	counted upon
Past Participle	counted 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.

Example

He is counting upon the weather being nice for the outdoor event.

Example

They counted upon the bus arriving on time, but it was late.

Example

The success of the project was counted upon by everyone involved.

What kind of phrasal verb is “count upon”?

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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 upon” 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

I counted upon their support during the election.

Example

She counts upon her parents to help her financially.

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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 upon” 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

I counted upon their support during the election.

Example

She counts upon her parents to help her financially.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “count upon”?

Count upon someone's word

Trusting someone's promise or statement.

Example

You can count upon his word; he always keeps his promises.

Count upon a specific outcome

Expecting a particular result or situation.

Example

The team counted upon winning the game to advance in the tournament.

Count upon someone's expertise

Relying on someone's knowledge or skills.

Example

We count upon the doctor's expertise to diagnose and treat the illness.

Good things to know

Does “count upon” have an informal or formal tone?

Count upon 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.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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