bank on
depend on something happening or being true
What does "bank on sth" mean?
Examples
- Don't bank on getting a table without a reservation — it's always busy on Fridays.
- She banked on the deal going through, so she was devastated when it fell apart.
- 'Do you think they'll finish on time?' — 'I wouldn't bank on it.'
How to use it
The most common structure, used when the expected outcome is expressed as a noun.
The startup was banking on government funding to keep the project alive.
Used when the expected outcome is expressed as an action or event — always use the gerund (-ing form), never a to-infinitive.
Don't bank on getting a discount just because you're a regular customer.
A near-fixed cautionary expression used to signal that a hoped-for outcome is uncertain or unlikely.
'She thinks the report will be approved by Friday.' — 'I wouldn't bank on it.'
Used in direct warnings to tell someone they are over-estimating how reliable or certain something is.
Don't bank on the weather holding — bring a jacket just in case.
Common Collocations
Common Mistakes
After 'bank on', you must use the -ing form of a verb, not the to-infinitive. This is one of the most frequent errors learners make with this phrase.
'Bank on' focuses on outcomes and events, not on a person's trustworthiness or loyalty. When you want to say you rely on a person's character or dependability, 'count on' is the more natural choice.
'Bank on' sounds unnatural in the present continuous. Use the present simple or a modal construction instead.
Usage
Most commonly used in warnings or expressions of doubt, especially the fixed phrase 'I wouldn't bank on it.' It sounds natural in both British and American English and is equally at home in conversation and journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'bank on' be used in the passive, like 'the outcome was banked on'?
No — 'bank on' is almost never used in the passive, and attempts to do so sound very unnatural. The phrase always focuses on the person doing the assuming or predicting, not on the thing being relied upon. Stick to active constructions.
Does 'bank on' always suggest something might go wrong?
Not always, but it frequently appears in warnings and expressions of doubt, which gives it a cautionary tone. Even in positive sentences, the word implies a degree of risk — you're staking confidence on something that isn't certain. The phrase 'I wouldn't bank on it' has become so common that the verb as a whole carries a slightly sceptical flavour.
Is 'I wouldn't bank on it' a fixed expression?
It functions almost like one. It's a very common spoken response used to gently warn someone that what they're expecting may not happen. You can use it on its own as a complete response without specifying what you're doubting.
What kinds of things can follow 'bank on'?
You can bank on outcomes, events, or situations — things like a promotion, good weather, a deal going through, or support from a team. These can be noun phrases ('bank on a pay rise') or gerund clauses ('bank on things going smoothly'). The object should represent a predicted event or result, not a person being trusted for their character.
Is 'bank on' more British or more American?
It's used naturally in both British and American English with no significant difference in meaning or frequency. You'll encounter it in conversation, news journalism, and everyday writing on both sides of the Atlantic.
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