Guide 146 / 200 4 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “rely on”
Four verbs for trusting something to hold.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Rely on" is fine; these alternatives give it register. "Depend on" is the plain default; "count on" is personal; "lean on" is informal and relational; "trust" takes a position.
ii · The swaps4 ways
- 01Depend on neutral
neutral default
Depend on the cache for read-heavy paths.
- 02Count on neutral
expect with confidence, personal
Count on the weekend window for cutover.
- 03Lean on neutral
informal, relational
Lean on design for the polish pass.
- 04Trust neutral
take a position of confidence
Trust the data from the pilot.