a false belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a false belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing misconceptions, misunderstandings, or incorrect assumptions held by individuals or groups. Example: "Many people hold a false belief that success comes without hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a false belief.

The New York Times - Health

Inaccurate criticism runs the risk of creating a false belief that we can't achieve zero-carbon homes by 2016.

The Guardian - Opinion

The push for universal calculus has relied on a false belief that colleges and future jobs would demand it.

The New York Times

In addition, there was a false belief that getting even timely medical attention would not prevent infection.

The New York Times - Health

Lying, any communicative act that aims to cause receivers of the communication to adopt, or persist in, a false belief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Experts agree the carnage results from a false belief, widespread in the far east, that rhino horn can cure cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

The Guardian

Their strategy is to demonise the other, based on a false belief that the host culture needs protecting from being polluted and overrun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even when we think we've properly corrected a false belief, the original exposure often continues to influence our memory and thoughts.

The New Yorker

I think people have an expectation that it wouldn't due to a false belief that polar bears are amongst the fiercest bears in the world.

The New York Times

Inspector Christopher Willis, from Essex Police, said the sea would have appeared deceptively calm, instilling a false belief that it would be possible to swim to shore.

Independent

There is a false belief on each side that the other has had its fill of suffering and will now change its ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a false belief", ensure the context clearly explains why the belief is considered false, providing supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a false belief" without sufficient evidence. While false beliefs can be harmful, overstating their impact can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a false belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something someone holds to be true, but which is not aligned with reality, as shown by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a false belief" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe an incorrect or untrue conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to provide context explaining why the belief is considered false. Alternatives like "a mistaken notion" or "an incorrect assumption" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. However, be cautious not to overstate the consequences of the false belief without sufficient evidence. Primarily found in news, media and scientific contexts, it's a versatile phrase suitable for neutral to formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an erroneous conviction

Replaces "belief" with "conviction" and uses "erroneous" to emphasize the incorrectness.

a mistaken notion

Substitutes "belief" with "notion" and "false" with "mistaken", softening the tone slightly.

a misconception

Highlights the misunderstanding or misinterpretation aspect of the false belief.

an incorrect assumption

Emphasizes the aspect of assuming something that is not true, instead of simply holding a false belief.

an unfounded idea

Focuses on the lack of evidence or basis for the belief.

a delusion

Implies a more extreme and persistent false belief, often associated with mental health conditions.

a deceptive conviction

Highlights that the belief is misleading.

a spurious understanding

Emphasizes that the understanding isn't based on facts.

an inaccurate perception

Shifts the focus to how something is perceived, rather than the belief itself.

a fallacious premise

Implies the false belief is a foundational element in a flawed argument or system of thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "a false belief" to describe an incorrect or untrue conviction that someone holds. For example: "His actions were guided by "a false belief" about the company's financial stability."

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

Alternatives include "a mistaken notion", "an incorrect assumption", or "a misconception", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "false belief" since a belief is supposed to be true by definition?

While beliefs are generally assumed to be true, the phrase "a false belief" is commonly used to emphasize that a particular belief is, in fact, incorrect. It's not strictly redundant in common usage.

What's the difference between "a false belief" and "a delusion"?

While both refer to untrue convictions, ""a false belief"" is a general term for any incorrect belief. "A delusion" is a more specific term, often used in a medical or psychological context, to describe a persistent false belief that is resistant to reason or contradictory evidence.