count on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Rely on someone or something with confidence
Why “on”? One thing supports another. A plan may need people, facts, money, or past success.
“You can count on me.”
“We can count on the old van in winter.”
Memory hook
You count someone as part of your plan — you can rely on them.
Common mistake
You can count on for me.
You can count on me.
Count on takes the person directly — no for.
Natural collocations
The word partners “count on” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Count on means rely on someone or something with confidence. Count in means include as a participant.
Test yourself
“You can count on me.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
count in
A contrast learners often mix up
Include as a participant
act on
Same on pattern: support
Take action because of advice or information
base on
Same on pattern: support
Use something as the foundation or starting point
build on
Same on pattern: support
Use a previous success as a foundation for more
depend on
Same on pattern: support
Need someone or something for support or to function
draw on
Same on pattern: support
Use a resource, knowledge or experience
go on
Same on pattern: support
Continue happening or doing something; Happen or take place; Talk for a long time, often in a tedious way; Use information as the basis for an opinion; Begin to operate
rely on
Same on pattern: support
Trust someone or something to help
Sink In — iOS & Android
Practice “count on” in Sink In
Drill “count on” and 1,300+ other phrasal verbs with spaced repetition, organised by the particle patterns that connect them.
- Learn the pattern behind dozens of verbs at once — not one-off translations.
- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
