a belief system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a belief system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a set of principles or tenets that guide an individual's or group's understanding of the world and their behavior. Example: "Many cultures have a belief system that shapes their values and traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A belief system".

The Guardian - Arts

Science a belief system?

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, it's not a belief system.

The Guardian

This is a belief system, but a belief system that is not based on reality".

The Guardian - Money

Science is … Not a belief system Fair point, it isn't.

The Guardian

Ikea here is a kind of faith, a belief system.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Saving Nature approaches environmentalism as a belief system.

Yale University

"Moral judgment" is an artifact of a belief system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Even if it's an absurd character, there's a belief system".

The New York Times

Home birth went from an option to a belief system.

The New York Times

A budget is really a belief system, backed up by numbers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal or subjective viewpoints, using "a belief system" can add a layer of understanding by framing individual beliefs within a broader, organized framework.

Common error

Avoid attributing complex behaviors or phenomena solely to "a belief system" without acknowledging other influencing factors like social context, personal experiences, or situational variables. Beliefs are impactful, but rarely the only determinant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a belief system" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing structured sets of principles, values, or doctrines that guide understanding and behavior. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a belief system" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a structured set of principles or convictions. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's widely acceptable in English writing. It commonly appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid overgeneralizing its scope and recognize that various factors influence behavior beyond just beliefs. Related phrases include "a system of beliefs" and "a value system", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. The phrase is a versatile tool for explaining motivations and understanding diverse perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a system of beliefs

Focuses on the structured arrangement of multiple beliefs.

a value system

Emphasizes the moral or ethical principles that guide behavior.

a set of principles

Highlights the fundamental rules or doctrines that underlie a system of thought or action.

a worldview

Refers to a comprehensive perspective on the world and its phenomena.

an ideology

Suggests a more formal and often politically charged system of beliefs.

a philosophy

Implies a more reasoned and structured approach to belief.

a creed

Indicates a formal statement of religious or ethical beliefs.

a doctrine

Suggests a set of teachings or beliefs that are taught or advocated.

a conviction

Emphasizes a strongly held belief or opinion.

a faith

Implies a belief based on trust or confidence, often without empirical evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "a belief system" in a sentence?

You can use "a belief system" to describe the underlying principles that guide someone's actions or understanding of the world. For example: "Her ethical choices are deeply rooted in "a belief system" that prioritizes environmental sustainability."

What are some alternatives to saying "a belief system"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a system of beliefs", "a value system", or "a worldview" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it accurate to describe science as "a belief system"?

While some may argue that science operates under certain foundational assumptions, it's more accurately described as a methodology for investigating the natural world. However scientific rationalism is "also a belief system".

What's the difference between "a belief system" and "an ideology"?

"A belief system" is a general term for any set of beliefs, while "an ideology" typically refers to a more structured and often politically charged system of beliefs.