belief system

USAGE SUMMARY

"belief system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a set of beliefs that an individual or group holds. For example, "Many people have strong belief systems that guide their decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A belief system".

The Guardian - Arts

Science a belief system?

The Guardian - Opinion

You have to fight the belief system.

The New York Times

What's their optimism and belief system?

The New York Times

What belief system is represented?

The New York Times

Islam is a highly patriarchal belief system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Belief system: There are superstitions in burlesque.

The New York Times - Magazine

And by every spiritual belief system imaginable".

The New Yorker

Two months doesn't change people's belief system".

The New York Times

It comes from my belief system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, it's not a belief system.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "belief system" to describe the underlying principles that influence someone's actions or decisions, providing context for their behavior.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "belief system" as an objective truth or fact. Clearly distinguish between personal beliefs and verifiable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belief system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a structured set of beliefs, principles, or values that shape an individual's or group's understanding of the world. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belief system" is a grammatically sound and widely used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, describing a structured set of beliefs that guide individuals or groups. The phrase is commonly found in news, media, scientific and general discussions. When using "belief system", it's important to avoid generalizations and to distinguish between beliefs and objective facts. Alternatives include "worldview" and "personal philosophy". In essence, understanding and respecting diverse "belief systems" is crucial for effective communication and cross-cultural understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding principles

This emphasizes the practical role of beliefs in directing actions and decisions.

set of convictions

This phrase emphasizes the strong and unwavering nature of the beliefs held.

worldview

This alternative focuses on how someone perceives and interprets the world around them based on their beliefs.

personal philosophy

This highlights the individual nature of a belief system, emphasizing personal values and principles.

system of values

This alternative focuses on the moral and ethical principles that guide behavior and decision-making.

ideological framework

This term is more formal and emphasizes the structured nature of a set of beliefs, particularly within a political or social context.

moral compass

This is a more metaphorical term suggesting an internal guide based on one's beliefs about right and wrong.

tenets

This term refers to the core principles or beliefs of a system of thought.

credo

This term is more formal and suggests a concise statement of beliefs or principles.

doctrine

This refers to a set of beliefs taught or held by a church, political party, or other group.

FAQs

How can I use "belief system" in a sentence?

You can use "belief system" to describe a set of principles or convictions that guide an individual's or group's actions. For example, "Her actions were heavily influenced by her strong "belief system"."

What's the difference between a "belief system" and an ideology?

While both terms refer to sets of beliefs, "belief system" is a broader term that can encompass personal or informal beliefs, whereas ideology typically refers to a more structured and often politically charged set of ideas.

What can I say instead of "belief system"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "worldview", "personal philosophy", or "set of convictions".

Is it appropriate to question someone's "belief system"?

Questioning is a natural part of discourse, but it's important to approach the topic with respect and sensitivity, avoiding judgmental or dismissive language.