belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing personal convictions, opinions, or acceptance of something as true, often in contexts related to faith, philosophy, or psychology. Example: "Her belief in the power of positive thinking has transformed her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his memoir, Kyle reportedly described killing as "fun", something he "loved"; he was unwavering in his belief that everyone he shot was a "bad guy".

The Guardian - Opinion

It gives us a real belief for the game; whatever happens in the match, we are equipped to deal with it".

The Guardian - Sport

This belief began early: his first attempt at Shakespeare was a National Youth Theatre production of Coriolanus over a decade ago, performed by a young cast who came from every part of the British Isles.

The Guardian

Wistrich said: "The officers who shot Jean Charles have a defence if they had an honest belief that they were under imminent threat, even if they were mistaken and their mistake was wholly unreasonable".

The Guardian

The report concluded there was "no credible evidence" to uphold complaints by Duggan's family that police had relocated the firearm in the sock, that officer V53 did not fire live shots in the belief Duggan was pointing a firearm at him, and that he did not use lawful force.

The Guardian

In a further statement, the Duggan family said the report "confirms their belief that the IPCC are unfit for purpose".

The Guardian

Cesare Prandelli has stated the belief that his team will need athletes, more than technically gifted ball-players, to succeed in hot and humid conditions in Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

We should show our own strength and belief in the values of democracy and tolerance, and above all we should demonstrate that the future, however hard the path to it is, does not, and never will, belong to fanatics but will be with those who believe that we should live in peace with each other, whatever our race, nation, colour or religion.

The Guardian

Senior security officials conceded last night that it is likely no one will be brought to justice for the 7 July bombs that killed 52 people in London in 2005, despite their belief that more than 20 people were involved in the attacks.

The Guardian

Poland seemed to lose a bit of belief.

The Guardian - Sport

They seem to think there is some critical mass that, through the weight of belief alone, will get us where we want to go.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "belief" when you want to express a personal conviction or acceptance of something as true, even without concrete proof. It's suitable for expressing faith, opinions, or deeply held values.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "belief" as an established fact. While beliefs can be strongly held, they differ from knowledge, which is based on verifiable evidence. Clearly distinguish between personal convictions and objective truths to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "belief" functions primarily as a noun, representing a state of mind where one accepts something as true or real. Ludwig examples show it describing personal convictions, religious faiths, or widely held ideas. Ludwig AI indicates that this term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "belief" is a versatile noun used to express conviction, trust, or acceptance of something as true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it frequently appears in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts, highlighting its relevance across various domains. When writing, ensure you're clear about whether you're presenting a personal conviction or a fact, distinguishing "belief" from "knowledge". Alternatives such as "conviction", "faith", or "opinion" can be used to subtly shift the nuance. Ultimately, understanding the contexts and implications of "belief" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conviction

Strongly held opinion, implying deep certainty.

Faith

Trust or confidence in something, often without proof.

Opinion

A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact.

Viewpoint

A particular way of considering or regarding something.

Perspective

A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something.

Notion

A conception of or about something.

Impression

A feeling or understanding resulting from an experience.

Feeling

An emotional state or reaction.

Assumption

A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

Presumption

An idea that is taken to be true on the basis of probability.

FAQs

How can I use "belief" in a sentence?

You can use "belief" to express a personal conviction, as in "My belief is that hard work leads to success", or to describe a widely held idea, such as "There is a common belief that the Earth is flat".

What are some synonyms for "belief"?

Alternatives to "belief" include "conviction", "faith", "opinion", and "notion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "belief" differ from "knowledge"?

"Belief" refers to a personal acceptance of something as true, which may or may not be based on evidence. "Knowledge", on the other hand, implies a justified, true belief supported by evidence and verification.

Is it correct to say "I have a belief that..."?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I have a belief that..." as it introduces a clause expressing your personal conviction or opinion about something. For example, "I have a belief that everyone deserves a fair chance".