apt to believe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apt to believe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is inclined or likely to believe something, often without much evidence or skepticism. Example: "She is often seen as gullible, being apt to believe even the most outrageous claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They were apt to believe that their talents and interests could be assessed only subjectively.

The New Yorker

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival".

The New York Times

It's been a boon to be unknown because people are more apt to believe you, and that's disappearing for me".

The Guardian - Film

"I have no idea how anyone managed to have sex before e-mail," he says, and you're apt to believe him.

The New York Times - Books

"When they see us with them, they're more apt to believe things are going the way we've been saying, that we're turning over sovereignty," said Capt.

The New York Times

We have a cognitive bias that leads us to be more apt to believe the praise we receive and to explain away criticism.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

One is apt to think, "Sure, what I believe is different from my believing it.

SEP

They also were more apt to report believing that their diagnosis was delayed (57.6% vs. 33.2%, p < 0.0001), a feeling of dissatisfaction with their treatment (13.3% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.03), and feeling that they were treated poorly by the healthcare system (23.3% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.0001).

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

(13) You are apt to think about things negatively.

Diabetic Medicine

The Chinese were seaside dwellers along the Pacific many thousands of years before the Americans, & presumably even now like to gaze upon its blue & sometimes tranquil waters This may seen annoying to a party leader, who is apt to find it difficult to believe that there can be anybody of any importance on the far end of the lake.

The New Yorker

One line feels especially apt: At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done – then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apt to believe", ensure the context clarifies why someone is inclined to believe something. Providing context enhances clarity and avoids unintended negative connotations of gullibility.

Common error

Avoid using "apt to believe" as a blanket statement about a group of people. Instead, focus on specific individuals or situations to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or making unsubstantiated claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apt to believe" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a characteristic inclination towards belief. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes someone's tendency to accept claims, often without critical evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apt to believe" is a useful and commonly used expression for describing someone's tendency to accept information or claims as true, often without a high degree of scrutiny. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of gullibility depending on the context. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science sources, and has several close synonyms like "inclined to believe" and "prone to believe". When employing this phrase, consider the implications of describing someone as readily accepting beliefs and ensure the context is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to believe

This alternative emphasizes a natural tendency or predisposition toward belief.

prone to believe

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability in believing, suggesting a higher likelihood of believing readily.

likely to believe

Focuses on the probability or expectation that someone will believe something.

disposed to believe

Implies a settled tendency or willingness to believe.

given to believing

Suggests a habitual or characteristic inclination toward belief.

quick to believe

Emphasizes the speed and ease with which someone believes.

ready to believe

Highlights an eagerness or willingness to accept something as true.

easy to convince

Focuses on the ease with which someone's beliefs can be influenced.

gullible

Conveys a lack of skepticism or critical thinking, making someone easily deceived.

unsuspecting

Indicates a lack of awareness of potential deception or falsehoods.

FAQs

What does "apt to believe" mean?

Apt to believe means having a tendency or inclination to believe something, often without requiring much evidence or proof. It suggests a predisposition towards accepting information as true.

How can I use "apt to believe" in a sentence?

You can use "apt to believe" to describe someone's tendency to accept information. For example: "Because of his trusting nature, he is "apt to believe" even the most outlandish stories."

What are some alternatives to "apt to believe"?

Alternatives to "apt to believe" include "inclined to believe", "prone to believe", "likely to believe", or simply, "gullible", depending on the specific context.

Is there a negative connotation associated with "apt to believe"?

While "apt to believe" isn't inherently negative, it can imply a lack of critical thinking or skepticism. In some contexts, it might suggest that someone is easily deceived or "naïve". The specific tone depends on the context of the sentence.