I am believing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am believing" is not commonly used in standard written English.
It can be used in specific contexts where the speaker is expressing a current, ongoing belief, but it is generally more natural to use the simple present tense. Example: "I am believing that we will succeed in our project despite the challenges."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So, on Smith's account, here I am believing that it would be desirable for me to φ.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When attribute i is believed to influence attribute j, we denote the influence by (g_{ij}).

Journal of Modern Transportation

"As I was with her the night she took ill, I am believed to be exposed.

The New Yorker

"I'm believing," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was believed.

Huffington Post

I felt I would be believed.

Independent

Is it to be believed?

Vice

Now I am increasingly believing in this".

Wikipedia

I am trying, believe me.

Independent

Lula, I'm sure, believes in God.

The New Yorker

Or so I am led to believe.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for the simple present tense "I believe" in most cases for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "I am believing" when a simple statement of belief is sufficient. The continuous form can sound awkward or unnatural in many contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am believing" functions as a statement of belief, using the present continuous tense. However, as Ludwig indicates, its usage is less common than the simple present tense form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "I am believing" is a less common way to express belief compared to the simpler "I believe". As Ludwig points out, the present continuous form can sound somewhat awkward. Usage contexts range from news and media to scientific writing, but it's crucial to consider whether the present continuous truly adds value over the more direct simple present. Opt for "I believe" unless you specifically want to emphasize the ongoing nature of forming a belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe

Simple present tense, conveys a general or habitual belief.

I hold the belief

More formal, emphasizes the conviction of the belief.

I am of the opinion

Indicates a personal judgment or assessment.

It is my belief

Shifts focus to the belief itself, rather than the believer.

I am convinced

Highlights a strong feeling of certainty.

I feel sure

Expresses confidence based on intuition or feeling.

I maintain that

Implies a persistent and defended belief.

I am under the impression

Indicates a belief based on incomplete information.

I dare say

A more old-fashioned way of expressing a tentative belief.

I presume

Suggests a belief based on probability or likelihood.

FAQs

Is "I am believing" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "I am believing" is less common than the simple present "I believe". The latter is generally preferred for expressing a state of belief.

When is it appropriate to use "I am believing"?

The phrase "I am believing" can be used when emphasizing a current, ongoing process of forming a belief. However, it's often more natural to use "I believe" even in those cases.

What are some alternatives to "I am believing"?

Alternatives include "I believe", "I hold the belief", or "it is my belief", depending on the desired nuance and formality.

How does "I am believing" differ from "I believe"?

"I believe" generally expresses a stable, established belief. "I am believing" suggests a belief that is currently being formed or considered, but this usage is less common and can sound unnatural.