What Does “Bank on sth doing sth” Mean?
“Bank on sth doing sth” means to rely on something happening or being true. It expresses confidence that a particular action or event will occur.
Introduction
The phrase “Bank on sth doing sth” is a common English expression used to show trust or certainty about a future event or outcome. When you bank on something doing something, you expect it to happen and plan accordingly. This phrasal verb is useful in everyday conversations, business, and writing when you want to express reliance on a fact or action. Understanding the “Bank on sth doing sth” meaning helps learners use it naturally and confidently in different contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Bank on sth doing sth (bank on something doing something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To rely or depend on something happening
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrase “Bank on sth doing sth” is inseparable, meaning you cannot put words between “bank on” and the object. The structure follows this pattern:
- Bank on + noun/pronoun + verb-ing
- Example: I bank on the team winning the game.
You cannot separate the verb and the object, so “bank on” always stays together.
How to Use “Bank on sth doing sth”?
Use this phrase when you want to show strong confidence or expectation that something will happen. It often expresses trust in plans, results, or behaviors. You can use it in formal or informal speech. Remember, the object after “bank on” is usually a noun or pronoun, followed by a verb in the -ing form.
For example, you can say, “We bank on the software working smoothly,” meaning you expect the software to function well.
Examples
- She banked on the weather staying sunny for the picnic.
- They bank on the project bringing in new customers.
- You can’t always bank on people agreeing with your ideas.
- We banked on the train arriving on time.
- He banks on his experience helping him get the job.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I bank on the team will win the match.
Correct: I bank on the team winning the match. - Incorrect: She banked on that it rains tomorrow.
Correct: She banked on it raining tomorrow.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “count on,” “rely on,” and “depend on.” However, “bank on” often shows stronger confidence or expectation. For example:
- Bank on: You expect something to happen with confidence.
- Count on: You trust someone or something to help or do something.
- Rely on: You depend on someone or something for support or help.
While these can sometimes be interchangeable, “bank on” frequently refers to predicting or expecting an event or action.
Common Collocations
- Bank on success
- Bank on help
- Bank on support
- Bank on results
- Bank on someone doing something
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bank on sth doing sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Do you think the meeting will finish early today?
Tom: I’m banking on it finishing by 3 PM so I can catch my train.
Anna: That would be great! I’m banking on the traffic being light too.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form:
We can _______ (bank on) the manager _______ (approve) our plan.
Answer: bank on / approving
FAQs
- Q: Can “bank on sth doing sth” be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, it is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: What is the difference between “bank on” and “count on”?
A: “Bank on” shows stronger expectation, while “count on” means trust or reliance. - Q: Is “bank on” separable?
A: No, “bank on” is inseparable and must stay together. - Q: What verb form follows “bank on”?
A: A noun or pronoun followed by a verb in the -ing form. - Q: Can I say “bank on it will rain”?
A: No, the correct form is “bank on it raining.”