rely on this vs rely on that

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Rely on this' is used when referring to something specific that is close or has been mentioned, while 'rely on that' is used when referring to something specific that is further away or has not been mentioned yet.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 700 views

rely on this

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something specific that is close or has been mentioned.

Use 'rely on this' when you want to emphasize reliance on something specific that is close or has been mentioned in the conversation.

Examples:

I rely on this book for all my research.
You can rely on this team to deliver excellent results.

Show examples from the web [+]

But can we rely on this President and this Bureau as far as a willingness to change is concerned?
If you intend to rely on this Software for critical purposes you must test it fully prior to using it and validate it to your satisfaction and assume any and all risk.
What else can we rely on in our spiritual practice if not this great power and great wisdom? Why should we rely on this dark little abdomen (the solar plexus) or our ephemeral breathing instead?
One question is obviously on all of our minds: will the employees of VW Forest be able to rely on this European solidarity?
We can't rely on this or the Jords.
Hence, Combus could not rely on this money for demonstrating the restoration of its economic viability.
The current Proposal will rely on this harmonised framework.
I know you rely on this cheerleading thing for your scholarship.
They rely on this park for the programs and services it offers,
Are we really supposed to rely on this guy?
In the case of industries which rely on this, there is something wrong.
Therefore the Commission cannot rely on this argumentation in its definitive conclusions as the company had not been given the opportunity to comment on that argument.
In such cases, the firm cannot rely on this authorisation when trying to provide those non-core services in other Member States.
Many Debian packages rely on this service: by putting maintenance scripts in these directories, they ensure optimal operation of their services.
With different brands of Dowel Jigs in the market today, jobs woodworkers and other professionals who rely on this important tool not that easy a buy it.
The priests of the New Apostolic Church still rely on this age-old word today.
In the opening decisions the Commission does not rely on this provision to conclude that the Alcoa tariff constitutes new aid.
To help, I rely on this writer's trick.
They rely on this park for the programs and services it offers, - like free water from the OWBP.
It is appropriate that the coordination group and the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use should rely on this recommendation when performing their assessment of the issue.

Alternatives:

depend on this
count on this
trust in this
have faith in this
bank on this

rely on that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something specific that is further away or has not been mentioned yet.

Use 'rely on that' when you want to emphasize reliance on something specific that is further away or has not been mentioned in the conversation.