Phrasal Verb – Count on.
To depend or rely on someone or something. To trust that someone will help you, or that something will happen as expected.
This phrasal verb is not separable: you count on someone, never “count someone on”.
- “I know I’ve been busy recently, but you can always count on me if you’re having a hard time.”
- “You know you can count on your best mate.”
It’s also used humorously about something you expect to happen – usually something annoying:
- “You can always count on it to rain on a bank holiday!”
Related Expressions:
- Count on it! – a confident way to say “definitely”.
- (Can) count something on the fingers of one hand – there are very few of them: “You could count the people in the office today on the fingers of one hand.”
- Thank your lucky stars – feel grateful for your good luck. (Not “count on your lucky stars”!)
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with 1 or 2 small words. These small words are particles. A particle can be a preposition or adverb. The phrasal verb has a different meaning from the verb alone because the particle changes the meaning of the verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
To depend or rely on someone or something.
No. You “count on someone” – you cannot say “count someone on”.
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