Question

What does the phrase “count on” mean in this context?
I’m counting on you for tonight’s dinner.
A) focus on
B) look out
C) waiting
D) rely on

Answer 1

Hint:The sentence construction is helpful to understand the context of the given phrase. “Count on” is being said to another person.

Complete answer:
Now, from the options given above,
The phrase ‘count on’ refers to ‘to depend on someone to do what you want or expect them to do for you’. In this case, it is being said by the subject to a second person. This is apparent because of the phrase ‘on you’.

Now, we know the context and the meaning of the given phrase. Let’s look at the given options:
>focus on - This phrase means ‘to give most of your attention to someone or something’. When this phrase is used to replace the given phrase, the meaning of the sentence completely changes. So, this is an incorrect option.
>look out - The phrase ‘look out’ means ‘be vigilant and take notice’. When this phrase is used to replace the given phrase, the meaning of the sentence completely changes. So, this is also an incorrect option.
>waiting - The word ‘waiting’ means ‘the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or event’. This does not make any sense in the context of the given sentence. So, this is an incorrect option.
>rely on - The phrase ‘rely on’ means ‘to depend on (someone or something)’. This phrase has the exact same meaning as the phrase ‘count on’. So, this is the correct option.

Note: Go through the options and try to guess the meaning of each one. This will give you an idea of what the options are. Another phrase that is similar in meaning to the given phrase is ‘depend on’. Compare the options to the given phrase, and choose the option with the same meaning as the phrase.