Some believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Some believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of people who hold a particular belief or opinion about something. Example: "Some believed that the project would succeed despite the challenges it faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some believed the charges intrinsically unprovable.

The New Yorker

Some believed the drunk was a closeted Tourettic.

The New Yorker

Some believed it, and were disgusted by it.

The New York Times

Some believed that the air was writhing with devils.

The Guardian - Books

Some believed that associating with Ms. Taubman might jeopardize their careers.

The New York Times - Arts

Some believed that the freighter had struck bottom near Caribou Island, damaging its hull.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semiliterate  . . . .

The New Yorker

Some believed what Chen had originally written and concluded he had been thrown to the wolves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some believed these professional pursuits would have ended for Daly a long time ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Some believed the project would show humans have up to 250,000 genes.

The Guardian - Books

Some believed that Father Lawrence planned to follow suit in South Carolina.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Some believed", ensure that the context clearly indicates who "some" refers to. Providing additional information about the group or their perspective enhances clarity.

Common error

Ensure that "Some believed" is followed by a clear explanation of what was believed. Omitting this detail can leave the sentence incomplete and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Some believed" functions as an introductory clause that introduces a particular belief or opinion held by a subset of people. This serves to present diverse perspectives or historical viewpoints, which Ludwig AI examples clearly showcase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Some believed" is a versatile phrase used to introduce perspectives held by a subset of individuals. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies who "some" refers to, and that the belief being introduced is clearly articulated. Remember that while common, the effectiveness of "Some believed" lies in its ability to clearly convey diverse viewpoints and their origins. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples for guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Certain individuals thought

This alternative emphasizes the individuality and defined number of people holding the belief.

A few individuals considered

Similar to “certain individuals thought” but emphasizes a smaller, more distinct group.

Some held the conviction

Highlights the strength and depth of the belief, suggesting a firmly held position.

Some people assumed

Highlights the presumptive nature of the belief, implying a lack of concrete evidence.

Part of the group maintained

Focuses on the persistence and adherence to a particular belief within a larger group.

Others were of the opinion

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing that a belief was held.

Several parties surmised

Implies a degree of speculation or conjecture involved in forming the belief.

A section of the population felt

Highlights that the belief was emotionally grounded.

There was a perception among some

This option emphasizes that the belief was a perceived reality, rather than necessarily factual.

A faction espoused the view

Indicates a more active and vocal support for the belief within a specific group.

FAQs

How can I use "Some believed" in a sentence?

Use "Some believed" to introduce a viewpoint held by a subset of people, often in contrast to other views. For example, "Some believed the Earth was flat, while others knew it was round."

What's a more formal alternative to "Some believed"?

More formal alternatives include "Others held the opinion" or "A segment of the population felt", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it always necessary to specify who "some" refers to after using "Some believed"?

While not always mandatory, specifying who "some" refers to enhances clarity and credibility. If the group is well-known, it may be implied. Otherwise, provide context, such as "Some scientists believed" or "Some historians believed."

What is the difference between "Some believed" and "Many believed"?

"Some believed" indicates a minority or a non-specific group held a belief, while "Many believed" suggests a larger, more significant portion of people shared that belief. The choice depends on the proportion you want to convey.