What Does “Reckon on sb doing sth” Mean?
“Reckon on sb doing sth” means to expect or depend on someone to do something. It expresses a confident assumption that an action will happen.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “reckon on sb doing sth” is common in English when talking about expectations. It shows that you trust or depend on someone to complete an action. Understanding the “reckon on sb doing sth meaning” helps learners express certainty about future events involving others. This phrase is useful in everyday conversations, work, and planning. It often implies confidence or reliance on someone’s ability or willingness to do something. Knowing how to use it correctly will make your English sound natural and clear.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: reckon on sb doing sth (reckon on somebody doing something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To expect or depend on someone doing something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Reckon on sb doing sth” is inseparable. You cannot separate “reckon” and “on” in this phrase.
It follows this pattern:
- reckon on + somebody + verb-ing
- Example: We reckon on him arriving early.
The verb after the person is always in the -ing form (gerund).
How to Use Reckon on sb doing sth?
Use this phrase when you want to say you expect or depend on someone to do something. It shows certainty or trust. It is often used in planning or predicting situations.
Example contexts:
- Work: “I reckon on my team finishing the report by Friday.”
- Everyday: “We reckon on Jane bringing the snacks.”
Examples
Here are some natural examples of “reckon on sb doing sth in a sentence”:
- They reckon on the delivery arriving tomorrow morning.
- We reckon on Sarah helping us with the presentation.
- He reckons on his friends coming to the party.
- She reckons on the children finishing their homework before dinner.
- The manager reckons on the staff working overtime this weekend.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse “reckon on sb doing sth” with other verbs or use the wrong verb form. Here are examples:
- Incorrect: I reckon on him to finish the job. (Wrong verb form)
- Correct: I reckon on him finishing the job.
- Incorrect: We reckon on him will come. (Wrong verb form)
- Correct: We reckon on him coming.
Differences / Synonyms
“Reckon on sb doing sth” is similar to “count on sb doing sth” or “depend on sb doing sth.” However, “reckon on” is more about expectation based on planning or assumption.
- Count on sb doing sth: Emphasizes trust and reliability.
- Depend on sb doing sth: Focuses on necessity or requirement.
- Reckon on sb doing sth: Highlights expectation or assumption.
Common Collocations
People often use “reckon on” with common verbs and nouns related to tasks, events, or help. Here are some collocations:
- Reckon on someone helping: expecting help from someone
- Reckon on someone arriving: expecting someone to come
- Reckon on finishing: expecting completion of work or tasks
- Reckon on doing something: general expectation of an action
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of reckon on sb doing sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “reckon on sb doing sth”:
Anna: Do you think Mark will come to the meeting?
Ben: Yes, I reckon on him arriving early so we can start on time.
Anna: Great! I’m counting on him to bring the reports.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) I reckon on her to finishing the project on time.
- b) I reckon on her finishing the project on time.
- c) I reckon on her finish the project on time.
Answer: b) I reckon on her finishing the project on time.
FAQ
- Q: Can I say “reckon on sb to do sth”?
A: No, the correct form is “reckon on sb doing sth” with the gerund.
- Q: Is “reckon on” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written English.
- Q: Can “reckon on” be used with things, not people?
A: Yes, you can say “reckon on something happening.”
- Q: What is the difference between “reckon on” and “count on”?
A: “Reckon on” focuses on expectation, while “count on” emphasizes trust.
- Q: Is “reckon on sb doing sth” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; “on” must always stay with “reckon.”
