What Does โBank on sb doing sthโ Mean?
โBank on sb doing sthโ means to rely on someone to do something or to be confident that they will do it.
Introduction
The phrase โBank on sb doing sthโ is commonly used in English to express trust or dependence on someoneโs 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 โBank on sb doing sth meaningโ helps learners communicate expectations clearly. It is often used when making plans or discussing responsibilities, emphasizing confidence in othersโ 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)
โBank on sb doing sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate โbank onโ 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 โBank on sb doing sthโ?
Use this phrase when you want to express certainty or expectation about someoneโs 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.
- Donโt 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 โBank on sb doing sth in a sentenceโ 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 โbank on,โ 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. โCount onโ 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, Iโm 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 โbank onโ without a person?
A: No, โbank onโ usually needs someone (sb) to bank on. - Q: Is โbank onโ formal or informal?
A: It is mostly informal but can be used in formal contexts too. - Q: What is the difference between โbank onโ and โcount onโ?
A: Both mean to rely on someone, but โcount onโ is slightly more formal. - Q: Can I say โbank on sb to do sthโ?
A: It is more common to say โbank on sb doing sth,โ but โbank on sb to do sthโ is also used. - Q: What verb form follows โbank onโ?
A: Use the -ing form (gerund) after โbank on.โ
