Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Rely On': Meaning and Uses

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'rely on' means to depend on someone or something with confidence and trust for support, help, or sustenance.

Examples in context

Farmers in the region rely on rain for their crops.
Many students rely on scholarships to afford education.
City dwellers often rely on public transport to commute.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'rely on' means to depend on someone or something with confidence and trust for support, help, or sustenance.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

You cannot separate the verb and the preposition.

Neutral

Used across formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	rely on	I rely on my friends for support.
Past Simple	relied on	She relied on her skills to succeed.
Present Continuous	relying on	They are relying on us to help them.
Present Perfect	have relied on	We have relied on her in the past.

💡 When to Use

Seeking support or help

Use when expressing dependence on someone or something for assistance or support in achieving a goal.

Example: "He relies on his family for encouragement."

Building trust

Use when emphasizing trust in someone’s abilities or decisions, especially in a professional or personal context.

Example: "We rely on him to make wise decisions."

Discussing resources

Use when talking about dependence on available resources or supplies necessary for functioning.

Example: "The school relies on donations for funding."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: I rely in you for advice.

✅ Correct: I rely on you for advice.

💡 Tip: Remember: you 'rely on' someone or something, not 'in'.

Separation error

❌ Wrong: I rely my friend on for support.

✅ Correct: I rely on my friend for support.

💡 Tip: Keep 'rely on' together, it is not separable.

Object omission

❌ Wrong: She relies to finish her tasks.

✅ Correct: She relies on him to finish her tasks.

💡 Tip: Always specify what or whom you rely on.

Practice

RELY ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Farmers in the region rely on rain for their crops.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Many students rely on scholarships to afford education.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

City dwellers often rely on public transport to commute.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

depend on count on

Antonyms

independent of

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many businesses ___ customer feedback to improve products."

acquire on

rely on

ascend on

attend on

"In life's journey, one must rely on inner strength and patience, as true wisdom stems from trust in oneself and others."

In Context

In the late 18th century, George Washington, the first President of the United States, had to rely on the loyalty and dedication of his advisors and troops during the Revolutionary War. Initially, Washington faced numerous setbacks as the Continental Army was undertrained and poorly equipped. However, he chose to rely on his strategic acumen and the support of allies such as France. This reliance proved pivotal during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, where his troops endured severe hardships. Despite the grim conditions, Washington's ability to rely on his men’s resilience turned the tides. Their renewed vigor led to notable victories, boosting morale and strengthening their resolve. As the war progressed, Washington continued to rely on clever diplomacy and tactical brilliance. He relied on the French fleet to secure victory at the Siege of Yorktown, effectively ending the war. His reliance on a diverse group of individuals and nations underscored the essence of unity and collaboration. Ultimately, Washington's reliance on others and his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom forged a new nation and cemented his legacy as a revered leader.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Rely On

What is the origin of rely on?

The phrase 'rely on' originates from the Old French 'relier' meaning ‘to bind together’. It came into English usage in the early 14th century.

Can rely on be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Rely on' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts due to its neutral register, making it widely applicable in diverse situations.

What is the difference between rely on and depend on?

While 'rely on' and 'depend on' are synonyms, 'rely on' often implies a greater degree of trust and confidence, whereas 'depend on' can imply necessity or requirement.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

RELY ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Rely On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega