a set of convictions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set of convictions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a collection of beliefs or principles that someone holds strongly. Example: "Her actions were guided by a set of convictions that emphasized honesty and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Kimball's bravado relies on a set of convictions that provoke much low-frequency grumbling among competitors.

The New York Times - Magazine

She left behind a brand of politics and a set of convictions which still resonate, from Warsaw to Santiago to Washington, DC.What were those convictions?

The Economist

She left behind a brand of politics and a set of convictions which still resonate, from Warsaw to Santiago to Washington.What were those convictions?

The Economist

We are being asked to quashed a set of convictions based on police misconduct....The police themselves must not redact their own documents".

The Guardian

It is not liberalism as a set of convictions, but as a tool, even a weapon.

Johns Hopkins University

He brings to any issue in philosophy not a constructive account, but an approach, a set of convictions, something akin to ethical principles.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But, like now, there's a set of shared convictions over what has gone wrong and how to start moving to get it working again.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact is that the president came into office with a set of conservative convictions, formed in the 70s and largely undisturbed thereafter.

The Guardian

If his detention was meant to expose Ghonim's rawest aspect, then his interrogators defeated themselves: what has been left most exposed, after twelve days, is a set of clear convictions about what he was doing and why, the meaning of the rule of law, and the gamble of civil disobedience.

The New Yorker

In fact, the power to persuade has no stronger ally than the force of huge numbers of voters bound together by a set of core convictions, and they have every right to make their desires known at the voting booth.

Huffington Post

They want their candidate to have built his temple upon a rock, to possess an unshakeable set of convictions, to be impervious to the opposition of Washington's entrenched interests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set of convictions", ensure the context clarifies whether these convictions are personal, political, moral, or religious to provide better clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a set of convictions" when describing mere opinions or preferences. Convictions imply deeply held beliefs that influence behavior and are more profound than simple viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of convictions" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig indicates that it is used to describe a collection of deeply held beliefs that influence someone's actions or decisions. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a set of convictions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a collection of deeply held beliefs that guide someone's actions. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it functions as a noun phrase and serves to explain motivations or justify behaviors. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news media and academic settings. It's important to distinguish convictions from mere opinions, ensuring the phrase accurately reflects deeply rooted principles. The analyzed examples show different contexts where this phrase is useful, from political to personal, to describe and provide strong and solid reasoning for actions and thoughts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a body of beliefs

Refers to a collection of beliefs or principles, often implying a more systematic or organized structure than simply a set.

a system of values

Emphasizes the hierarchical and interconnected nature of one's values, suggesting a structured moral framework.

a moral compass

Implies an internal guide that directs behavior based on ethical considerations, offering a more metaphorical take.

a philosophical stance

Highlights the intellectual or theoretical basis of one's beliefs, framing them as part of a broader worldview.

a deeply held belief

Focuses on the strength and emotional investment in a single belief, rather than a collection.

a creed

Denotes a formal statement of beliefs, often associated with religious or political ideologies.

a personal philosophy

Highlights the individual and subjective nature of one's beliefs, emphasizing self-constructed principles.

a guiding principle

Singular, focuses on one key principle that informs actions and decisions, instead of a group.

a worldview

Emphasizes a comprehensive perspective on the world, encompassing beliefs about various aspects of life.

core values

Highlights values that are fundamental and central to one's identity or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "a set of convictions" in a sentence?

You can use "a set of convictions" to describe the principles or beliefs that guide someone's actions, for example: "Her decisions were always guided by "a set of convictions" about fairness and justice."

What phrases are similar to "a set of convictions"?

Similar phrases include "a body of beliefs", "a system of values", or "a moral compass" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a set of conviction" instead of "a set of convictions"?

No, the correct phrase is "a set of convictions". The plural form "convictions" is needed because "set" implies multiple beliefs, not just one.

What's the difference between "a belief" and "a set of convictions"?

A "belief" is a single idea someone accepts as true, whereas ""a set of convictions"" refers to a collection of firmly held beliefs that shape one's behavior and worldview.