What Does “Bank on sb doing sth” Mean?
“Bank on sb doing sth” means to rely on someone to do something or to be confident that they will do it.
Introduction
The phrase “Bank on sb doing sth” is commonly used in English to express trust or dependence on someone’s actions. When you bank on someone doing something, you expect them to follow through or help you in a particular way. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts. Understanding the “Bank on sb doing sth meaning” helps learners communicate expectations clearly. It is often used when making plans or discussing responsibilities, emphasizing confidence in others’ behavior.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Bank on sb doing sth (bank on somebody doing something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To depend on someone to do something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Bank on sb doing sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate “bank on” by inserting words between them.
Pattern examples:
- Bank on + somebody + doing + something
- We bank on her finishing the project on time.
- Can you bank on him helping with the event?
How to Use “Bank on sb doing sth”?
Use this phrase when you want to express certainty or expectation about someone’s actions. It is often followed by a person (sb = somebody) and a verb ending in -ing (doing sth = doing something).
Examples: You can bank on your friend arriving early. I bank on my team completing the task before the deadline.
Examples
- We bank on Sarah finishing the report by Friday.
- You can bank on Tom helping you move next weekend.
- The company is banking on the staff working overtime to meet the target.
- Don’t bank on him calling you back soon; he is very busy.
- She banked on her parents supporting her decision to study abroad.
These examples show “Bank on sb doing sth in a sentence” clearly in everyday use.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I bank on he will come.
Correct: I bank on him coming. - Incorrect: Can you bank on she helps us?
Correct: Can you bank on her helping us? - Incorrect: They banked on us to finish.
Correct: They banked on us finishing.
Remember, after “bank on,” use the object pronoun + verb-ing form.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include:
- Count on sb to do sth: Very close in meaning; both express reliance. “Count on” is slightly more formal.
- Depend on sb doing sth: Similar meaning but often used for more serious or important situations.
- Rely on sb doing sth: Also similar but can imply a stronger or longer-term trust.
Example comparison:
- I bank on you arriving early. (casual expectation)
- I count on you to arrive early. (stronger trust)
Common Collocations
- Bank on someone helping you
- Bank on a friend coming
- Bank on employees working hard
- Bank on family supporting decisions
- Bank on a team finishing a project
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bank on sb doing sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Are you sure Mark will attend the meeting tomorrow?
John: Yes, I’m banking on him coming. He promised yesterday.
Anna: Great! That means we can start the project on time.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form:
They are banking on the volunteers ______ (arrive) early to set up the event.
Answer: arriving
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) I bank on she will help me.
- B) I bank on her helping me.
Correct: B
FAQs
- Q: Can I use “bank on” without a person?
A: No, “bank on” usually needs someone (sb) to bank on. - Q: Is “bank on” formal or informal?
A: It is mostly informal but can be used in formal contexts too. - Q: What is the difference between “bank on” and “count on”?
A: Both mean to rely on someone, but “count on” is slightly more formal. - Q: Can I say “bank on sb to do sth”?
A: It is more common to say “bank on sb doing sth,” but “bank on sb to do sth” is also used. - Q: What verb form follows “bank on”?
A: Use the -ing form (gerund) after “bank on.”