I believe that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I believe that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement or opinion that you hold to be true. For example: "I believe that the world would be a better place if we all adopted a more compassionate attitude towards one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(I believe that means bananas).

The New York Times - Magazine

I believe that very strongly.

The New Yorker

"I believe that person is Governor Romney".

The New York Times

I believe that independence is an illusion.

Independent

"I believe that would be a mistake".

The New York Times

I believe that is our duty.

Independent

I believe that is misplaced.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I believe that could change.

BBC

I believe that is ridiculous and wrong.

Forbes

"I believe that is a bullet".

Wikipedia

I believe that now".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I believe that", follow it with a clear and concise statement to avoid ambiguity and ensure your point is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I believe that", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using other phrases like "in my opinion" or "it seems to me" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I believe that" functions as a declarative expression, primarily used to introduce a statement of personal belief, opinion, or conviction. It signals that the speaker is about to assert something they hold to be true. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I believe that" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express personal opinions or convictions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal to informal, though care should be taken to avoid overuse in writing. Top authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase. For alternatives, consider using phrases like "in my opinion" or "I think that" to add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I think that

A more casual and common way to express a belief or opinion.

I feel that

Expresses a belief based more on intuition or personal feeling.

In my opinion

Expresses a personal viewpoint more directly, focusing on the speaker's judgment.

I am convinced that

Expresses a strong sense of certainty about something.

It is my belief that

A more formal way to introduce a belief, adding emphasis.

I hold the view that

Indicates a considered and perhaps long-held belief.

I am of the opinion that

A formal and emphatic way to express a personal opinion.

As I see it

Introduces a viewpoint or understanding of a situation.

From my perspective

Highlights that the statement is based on a personal viewpoint.

My understanding is that

Indicates that the following statement is based on one's understanding or interpretation of something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I believe that"?

You can use alternatives like "in my opinion", "I think that", or "it is my belief that" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I believe that"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "I believe that". It is a common way to express a personal opinion or conviction.

How can I make my writing less repetitive when using "I believe that"?

To avoid repetition, try using synonyms such as "I feel that", "I consider that", or rephrasing the sentence to remove the introductory phrase altogether.

What's the difference between "I believe that" and "I think that"?

While both phrases express a personal opinion, "I believe that" often implies a stronger conviction or a more deeply held belief than "I think that", which can be used for more casual or tentative opinions.