What Does “Bank on sb” Mean?
“Bank on sb” means to rely on or trust someone to do something or to support you when needed.
Introduction
The phrase “Bank on sb” is a common English phrasal verb used to express trust or confidence in a person. When you bank on someone, you expect them to help you or to do what they promised. This phrase is often used in everyday conversations when someone depends on another person for support, assistance, or a positive outcome. Understanding the “Bank on sb meaning” will help you use it correctly and naturally in both spoken and written English. It shows a strong sense of trust and expectation in relationships, work, or social situations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Bank on sb (somebody)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To rely on or trust someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Bank on sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot separate “bank” and “on” by inserting an object between them. The structure is always:
- Bank on + somebody (pronoun or noun)
Examples:
- She always banks on her friends for help.
- Can I bank on you to pick me up?
How to Use “Bank on sb”?
You use “Bank on sb” when you want to express that you trust someone to do something or that you expect their support. It is commonly used in both formal and informal situations. The phrase often appears when discussing plans, promises, or support systems.
It can be used to talk about:
- Relying on friends or family
- Expecting help from colleagues or teammates
- Trusting someone’s judgment or action
Examples
Here are some examples of “Bank on sb in a sentence”:
- You can always bank on Sarah to arrive on time.
- I’m banking on my brother to support me during the interview.
- They banked on the team’s experience to win the match.
- Don’t bank on him to finish the project early.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I bank on to him for help.
Correct: I bank on him for help. - Incorrect: Can I bank him on?
Correct: Can I bank on him?
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include:
- Count on sb: Very similar in meaning and often interchangeable with “bank on sb”. For example, “You can count on me.”
- Depend on sb: Slightly more formal and can imply a deeper level of reliance. For example, “I depend on my parents.”
- Rely on sb: Similar to “bank on” but can be used in more formal contexts as well.
While these synonyms are close, “bank on sb” often has a casual tone and is used in everyday speech.
Common Collocations
- Bank on support
- Bank on help
- Bank on someone’s advice
- Bank on a friend
- Bank on a promise
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bank on sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Are you sure Tom will come to the party?
Ben: Yes, I’m banking on him. He promised me last week.
Anna: That’s good. I’m banking on you to bring the drinks.
Ben: Don’t worry, you can count on me!
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “bank on”:
- We can _______ (bank on / bank) Jane to finish the report on time.
- I’m not sure if I can _______ (bank on / count on) him for help.
- She always _______ (banks on / bank) her family in difficult times.
FAQs
- What does “bank on sb” mean?
It means to trust or rely on someone to do something. - Is “bank on sb” formal?
No, it is mostly used in informal or everyday conversations. - Can I use “bank on” with things?
Usually, it is used with people, not things. - Is “bank on sb” the same as “count on sb”?
Yes, they have similar meanings and can often be used interchangeably. - Can “bank on sb” be used in negative sentences?
Yes, for example, “Don’t bank on him to help.”