Below you will find two of the uses of the phrasal verb 'rely on' which you are likely to find used in the Cambridge Advanced exam.

In addition to the meaning/definition for each use, you will also find two examples of it being used with each meaning (to help you better understand its use and the context it is used in).

In order to remember these uses, make sure to make an example in your own words with the phrasal verb.

Use 1

To say that you can trust/be sure that somebody or something will do something.

"I don't know Sally really well. Do you think we can RELY ON her to do what we need?"
"Yes, we can. I've known her for 10 years and she's never let me down on anything."

If you ever need anything, you know that you can RELY ON us. We are your parents and we'll always be there for you.

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb

Use 2

To need something (e.g. help, money etc...) from somebody or an organisation in order to be able to live, continue operating (for a business) or exist.

Because it is so expensive to rent a flat in the city, there are a lot of young adults who RELY ON money from their parents to help them pay their rent.

In order to keep feeding homeless people in the city the organisation RELY ON regular donations of food and money from the public.

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb


Return to the list of 50 commonly phrasal verbs in the CAE exam.