Mastering ‘Reckon on’ for IELTS Success: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “reckon on” is an essential expression for IELTS candidates to master. It generally means to expect or rely on something or someone. This versatile phrase can be used in various contexts, making it valuable for both the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam.

Meanings:

1. To expect or anticipate something
2. To rely or depend on someone or something
3. To take into account or consider something when making plans

Synonyms: count on, depend on, anticipate, expect

2. Usage in Context

“Reckon on” can be used in both formal and informal situations, making it suitable for different parts of the IELTS test. Here are some example sentences:

• Formal: “The company reckons on increasing its profits by 10% this year.”
• Informal: “I’m reckoning on you to help me move house next weekend.”
• Speaking: “I reckon on spending about two hours a day studying for the IELTS exam.”
• Writing: “Governments must reckon on the long-term effects of climate change when developing environmental policies.”

Examples of 'Reckon on' Usage

3. Grammatical Analysis

“Reckon on” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning that no words can be inserted between “reckon” and “on.” It is typically followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form).

Structure:

• Subject + reckon on + noun/pronoun
• Subject + reckon on + verb-ing

Examples:

• “We reckon on her support.” (noun)
• “They reckon on it happening soon.” (pronoun + gerund)
• “I’m reckoning on finishing the project by Friday.” (gerund)

4. Application in IELTS

Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, using “reckon on” can demonstrate your ability to use complex vocabulary and express expectations or plans.

Example question: “What are your plans after completing your studies?”
Sample answer: “After graduating, I’m reckoning on finding a job in the IT sector. I reckon on spending about six months job hunting and gaining some practical experience through internships before securing a full-time position.”

Writing

For the Writing section, “reckon on” can be used to discuss expectations, plans, or dependencies in both Task 1 and Task 2 essays.

Example for Task 2: “In the future, cities will need to reckon on sustainable transportation systems to reduce pollution and improve quality of life.”

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Count on /kaʊnt ɒn/: To rely or depend on someone or something
   Example: “I’m counting on you to keep this a secret.”

2. Bank on /bæŋk ɒn/: To rely on confidently; to be sure of
   Example: “Don’t bank on winning the lottery as a financial plan.”

3. Figure on /ˈfɪɡər ɒn/: To expect or plan on doing something
   Example: “We’re figuring on arriving around 7 PM.”

4. Depend on /dɪˈpend ɒn/: To rely on someone or something
   Example: “The success of the project depends on everyone’s cooperation.”

5. Bet on /bet ɒn/: To be confident about something happening
   Example: “You can bet on the weather being unpredictable in April.”

6. Plan on /plæn ɒn/: To intend or expect to do something
   Example: “We’re planning on visiting Paris next summer.”

7. Rely on /rɪˈlaɪ ɒn/: To depend on with full trust or confidence
   Example: “You can rely on me to keep my promises.”

Related Phrasal Verbs to 'Reckon on'

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The team is winning the championship this year.
2. Don’t getting a promotion without putting in extra effort.
3. We’re your support for the upcoming charity event.
4. The company increasing sales by 15% next quarter.
5. Are you attending the conference next month?
6. The success of the project everyone’s cooperation.
7. I’m you to help me prepare for the presentation.
8. They’re moving to a bigger office space soon.
9. Can we your assistance with the fundraising campaign?
10. The government is reducing carbon emissions significantly by 2030.

Sentence Transformation

1. We expect to finish the project by Friday.
   We finishing the project by Friday.

2. Don’t rely on winning the lottery for your financial security.
   Don’t winning the lottery for your financial security.

3. The success of the event depends on good weather.
   The success of the event good weather.

4. I’m counting on you to keep this information confidential.
   I’m you to keep this information confidential.

5. They anticipate a significant increase in tourism next year.
   They a significant increase in tourism next year.

6. Can we depend on your support for the upcoming election?
   Can we your support for the upcoming election?

7. The company is planning on expanding into new markets.
   The company is expanding into new markets.

8. Don’t expect to get a high score without proper preparation.
   Don’t getting a high score without proper preparation.

9. We’re relying on the new software to improve efficiency.
   We’re the new software to improve efficiency.

10. Are you planning to attend the wedding next month?
    Are you attending the wedding next month?

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. reckoning on
2. reckon on
3. reckoning on
4. reckons on
5. reckoning on
6. depends on
7. counting on
8. planning on
9. count on
10. reckoning on

Sentence Transformation:

1. We reckon on finishing the project by Friday.
2. Don’t bank on winning the lottery for your financial security.
3. The success of the event reckons on good weather.
4. I’m reckoning on you to keep this information confidential.
5. They reckon on a significant increase in tourism next year.
6. Can we reckon on your support for the upcoming election?
7. The company is reckoning on expanding into new markets.
8. Don’t reckon on getting a high score without proper preparation.
9. We’re reckoning on the new software to improve efficiency.
10. Are you reckoning on attending the wedding next month?

Explanations:

• In each case, “reckon on” is used to express expectation, reliance, or planning.
• Note that “reckon on” is often interchangeable with other phrasal verbs like “count on,” “bank on,” or “plan on,” but using “reckon on” demonstrates a higher level of vocabulary proficiency.
• The grammatical structure remains consistent: Subject + reckon on + noun/gerund.

7. Memory Tips

To help remember “reckon on” and its usage:

1. Associate “reckon” with “calculation” or “consideration.” When you reckon on something, you’re calculating or considering it as part of your plans.

2. Create a mental image of a person standing on a calculator, “reckoning” (calculating) their budget. This visual can help you remember that “reckon on” means to expect or rely on something in your plans.

3. Practice using “reckon on” in daily conversations. For example, “I’m reckoning on good weather for the picnic” or “Can I reckon on your help?”

4. Create flashcards with different contexts and example sentences using “reckon on.”

5. Use mnemonic devices: R.E.C.K.O.N = Rely, Expect, Count, Know, On, Need

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb
   Incorrect: “I reckon strongly on your support.”
   Correct: “I reckon on your strong support.”

2. Mistake: Using the wrong preposition
   Incorrect: “We reckon for increased sales.”
   Correct: “We reckon on increased sales.”

3. Mistake: Using it in overly formal contexts
   While “reckon on” can be used in semi-formal situations, it might be too casual for highly formal academic writing. In such cases, consider alternatives like “anticipate” or “expect.”

4. Mistake: Overusing in IELTS Speaking
   While it’s good to demonstrate knowledge of phrasal verbs, overusing “reckon on” might sound unnatural. Use it 1-2 times during your speaking test, combined with other expressions.

5. Mistake: Incorrect verb form after “reckon on”
   Incorrect: “I’m reckoning on to finish early.”
   Correct: “I’m reckoning on finishing early.”

To avoid these mistakes, practice using “reckon on” in various contexts and review your usage regularly. Consider having a native speaker or English teacher check your usage to ensure accuracy.

9. Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like “reckon on” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It demonstrates a sophisticated command of English and can help you express complex ideas more naturally. Remember to use “reckon on” to discuss expectations, plans, or dependencies in both your speaking and writing tasks.

As you prepare for your IELTS exam, incorporate “reckon on” into your practice sessions. Use it in mock speaking tests and writing exercises to become more comfortable with its usage. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your score but also enhance your overall English proficiency.

For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guide on how to overcome fear in the IELTS speaking test and effective use of opinion phrases. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of English expressions will help you achieve your desired IELTS score.