act of faith

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of faith" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "act of faith" to describe an action that requires trust in the unseen. For example, "Going back to school after a long break was an act of faith that I could do it and complete my degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a gigantic act of faith.

The Economist

Such enthusiasm requires another act of faith.

The Economist

This conviction is an act of faith.

Independent

It was an act of faith.

The New York Times

It was a collective act of faith.

The Guardian - Books

"That was their act of faith.

The New York Times - Arts

Like Smith's anthology, Ledbetter's was an act of faith.

The New Yorker

Which is always a complete act of faith.

The New York Times

"It is an act of faith besides being a communication".

The New Yorker

This in itself was an act of faith.

The New York Times - Sports

That's why I say writing is an act of faith.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act of faith" to describe decisions or actions taken without concrete evidence, especially when involving risk or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "act of faith" to describe situations where optimism is unwarranted or irrational. An "act of faith" implies a deeper conviction, not just wishful thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of faith" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, describing an action or decision rooted in belief or trust, especially when empirical evidence is lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act of faith" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe decisions or actions based on belief or trust, particularly in the absence of concrete evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to business and personal narratives. While often used interchangeably with "leap of faith", it emphasizes the conviction underlying the action. When using "act of faith", it's important to ensure that the situation warrants such trust and isn't simply a case of unwarranted optimism. As demonstrated through numerous examples, the phrase accurately conveys the essence of taking a step into the unknown, guided by belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leap of faith

Focuses on the boldness and risk involved in trusting something without evidence.

expression of belief

Highlights the outward demonstration of one's convictions.

display of confidence

Emphasizes the assurance and conviction behind an action.

show of trust

Focuses on the reliance and dependence placed on someone or something.

gesture of hope

Implies an action taken with optimism despite uncertainty.

commitment to belief

Stresses the dedication and adherence to a particular conviction.

demonstration of conviction

Highlights the firmness and strength of one's beliefs.

affirmation of hope

Focuses on the positive declaration and reinforcement of optimistic expectations.

reliance on intuition

Stresses the dependence on instinctive knowledge and feeling.

trust in the unseen

Highlights reliance on something beyond empirical evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "act of faith" in a sentence?

You can use "act of faith" to describe a situation where someone trusts in something despite a lack of concrete evidence. For example, "Investing in the startup was an "act of faith", but it paid off in the end."

What is a similar phrase to "act of faith"?

Similar phrases include "leap of faith", "expression of belief", or "show of trust", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "act of faith" in a business context?

Yes, it's appropriate when describing decisions based on projections or trust in market trends, where complete certainty is impossible. It acknowledges the inherent risk involved. For instance, launching a new product can be an "act of faith".

What's the difference between "act of faith" and "blind faith"?

"Act of faith" suggests a reasoned decision despite uncertainty, while "blind faith" implies unquestioning belief without any reasoning or evidence. The former acknowledges the risk; the latter ignores it.