a core belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core belief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fundamental conviction or principle that is central to someone's values or worldview. Example: "Honesty is a core belief that guides my actions in both personal and professional relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nowhere in the symposium does anyone articulate a core belief or philosophy that liberals can embrace.

The New York Times

That's always been a core belief of Future Cities Catapult, where I'm the chief design officer.

The Guardian

After all, a core belief of Republicans is personal accountability and responsibility.

The New York Times

On the Fourth of July, our nation celebrated a core belief that all men -- all people -- are created equal.

The New York Times

In such conflicts, it can seem not only difficult, but also wrong, to compromise on a core belief.

The New York Times

He appeared to be questioning a core belief of Thatcherite conservatism that a rising economic tide lifts all boats.

The Economist

One tenet is that you have to have a core belief in others and a respect for the individual.

The New York Times

But they shared an optimistic outlook and a core belief that politics could be waged in a civil manner.

The New York Times

A core belief of spiritualism is that individuals survive the deaths of their bodies by ascending into a spirit existence.

Britannica

A core belief of the museum is that meaningful exposure to the arts will enrich students' lives in lasting ways.

Stanford University

He defended plural marriages as a core belief of the Fundamentalist Church, "that a man should have more than one family through marriages ordained by God".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a core belief" with a concise explanation of its impact or significance. For example, "A core belief of our organization is sustainability, which guides our sourcing decisions."

Common error

Avoid labeling every opinion as "a core belief". Reserve this phrase for principles that truly underpin your values or actions to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a fundamental principle or conviction that shapes one's values and actions. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a core belief" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies a fundamental principle or conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and encyclopedic entries. Related phrases include "a fundamental principle" and "a central tenet", offering nuanced alternatives. When using "a core belief", ensure it genuinely reflects a foundational principle and avoid overstating its importance for maintaining credibility. It’s a powerful way to articulate guiding values and justify actions, underpinning decisions with a clear and compelling rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the belief, highlighting its role as a basic building block.

a foundational conviction

Similar to "a fundamental principle" but emphasizes the aspect of personal conviction.

a central tenet

Highlights the belief's importance as a key doctrine or teaching within a system of thought.

a basic conviction

Focuses on the firmly held nature of the belief, suggesting a deep-seated personal commitment.

a deeply held principle

Focuses on the strength and personal investment in the principle.

a deep-seated value

Highlights the emotional and personal significance of the belief as a guiding value.

an intrinsic belief

Suggests the belief is inherent and essential to someone's identity or worldview.

a guiding principle

Emphasizes the role of the belief in directing actions and decisions.

a bedrock belief

Stresses the stability and unshakeable nature of the belief.

a cardinal belief

Highlights the importance and ranking of the belief within a system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a core belief" to describe a fundamental principle or conviction that guides someone's actions or worldview. For instance, "Honesty is "a core belief" that governs my interactions".

What are some alternatives to "a core belief"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental principle", "a central tenet", or "a basic conviction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a core belief" from a simple opinion?

"A core belief" represents a deeply ingrained principle that shapes one's behavior and perspective, whereas an opinion is typically a viewpoint on a specific matter that may not have such a profound impact.

Is it redundant to say "a core belief"?

While "core" inherently implies fundamentality, using ""a core belief"" is not necessarily redundant. It emphasizes the significance and centrality of the belief within a person's or organization's values.