article of faith

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'article of faith' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to refer to a strong belief or core value that someone or some group holds. For example, "The freedom of speech is an article of faith for many citizens of the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That became an article of faith".

The New Yorker

It just became an article of faith".

The New York Times

Wood's anachronistic article of faith was literature.

The Guardian - Books

It is a Jewish article of faith.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maintaining it had become an article of faith.

The New York Times

The current model is an article of faith.

The New York Times

This is an article of faith for Chinese people".

The New York Times

Actually, it was more than an article of faith.

The Economist

This has now become an article of faith.

The New York Times

It's an article of faith at the Internet giant.

The New York Times

For some nutritionists, this idea is an article of faith.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase after verbs of becoming or being to define the status of a specific idea within a group.

Common error

Avoid using "article of faith" to refer to a literal written article about religion. The phrase is an idiom for a belief system, not a piece of journalism. If you are referring to a text, use "essay on faith" or "religious column" instead.

Linguistic Context

As a noun phrase, "article of faith" typically functions as a subject complement (e.g., "It is an article of faith") or an object. Ludwig examples show it often appearing after the verb "become" or "be", indicating a state of absolute conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and widely accepted idiom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science & Research

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Sports

1%

Arts & Music

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "article of faith" is a powerful idiomatic noun phrase used to describe a core conviction that is held without the need for empirical evidence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility across diverse fields including politics, technology and social science. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly effective for emphasizing the unshakeable nature of a specific idea. When using it, remember that it carries a weight of absolute certainty, making it ideal for highlighting principles that define a group's identity or an individual's worldview. While it has religious roots, its modern application is largely secular and serves as a refined way to discuss the deeply held assumptions that drive human behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core conviction

Shifts focus to the personal intensity of the belief rather than its collective or dogmatic nature.

matter of faith

Slightly more religious in tone but maintains the sense of trust over evidence.

central tenet

More formal and often used to describe one specific part of a larger ideology or system.

fundamental belief

A more literal and less idiomatic way to express the same concept.

unshakeable belief

Focuses on the durability and persistence of the conviction.

guiding principle

Emphasizes the practical application of the belief in directing behavior or policy.

dogma

Carries a stronger connotation of rigidity and potentially negative authoritarianism.

axiomatic truth

Implies the belief is a self-evident starting point for reasoning.

sacred cow

A more critical or cynical alternative that implies the belief is unreasonably immune to criticism.

cardinal rule

Focuses on the strictness and importance of the rule within a specific system.

FAQs

What does the phrase "article of faith" mean in a non-religious context?

In a secular context, it refers to a "fundamental belief" or principle that is taken for granted and not questioned, even if there is no proof to support it.

Can I use "article of faith" to describe a scientific theory?

Yes, it is often used metaphorically to describe scientific assumptions that are widely accepted but not yet proven, functioning as a "guiding principle" for research.

Is "article of faith" a formal expression?

It is considered a sophisticated and neutral to formal expression, frequently found in quality journalism like "The Economist" and academic writing.

What is the difference between an "article of faith" and a "tenet"?

While both refer to beliefs, a "tenet" is usually part of a formal doctrine, whereas an "article of faith" often emphasizes the uncritical and emotional commitment someone has to that belief.