beliefs

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "beliefs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the convictions or opinions someone holds about a particular topic or subject. For example, "My beliefs about the importance of education have been shaped by my own experiences and the values of my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I came away feeling that if I wasn't already a Liberal Democrat, Nick's welcome references to sticking to our own values and beliefs may have been a tad confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has always been tricky for Messrs Cameron and Clegg to present themselves as united in an endeavour to put the country right while at the same advertising their differences in order to reassure the blue and yellow tribes that they are not betraying their respective party's fundamental beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Iman, who considers herself to be among the empowered women in Egypt, believes that when the temporary government was put together, it "brought to parliament a few individuals whose beliefs belong to the medieval century".

The Guardian

But to get there she has had to "detoxify" the party of its past and its tribal beliefs in order to make it appeal to those who are disillusioned with the mainstream right and left parties in France but who cannot bring themselves to vote for a group of racist thugs.

The Guardian

Our beliefs can elevate and inspire, and well-policed secularism – a version of secularism that doesn't itself become an alternative set of rigid, aggressive beliefs – could help us to do both.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he is unabashed about his robust beliefs on the hidden imam.

The Guardian

One UK study found that almost two-thirds of children reported having at least one "psychotic-like experience" in their lives, a category that also includes unshiftable and unrealistic beliefs and fears.

The Guardian

But this ignores that smoking is influenced by social norms, health beliefs, a person's economic and employment circumstances and tobacco industry marketing.

The Guardian

All I've done this year is really to set myself free from those limiting beliefs and just go forward with confidence and stick it to a few people, and not be afraid to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

He's a Mormon but does not make a big deal of his religious beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an interesting essay on Crane's religious beliefs Gary Sloan quotes a comment the young writer made to an acquaintance: "I was a socialist for two weeks, but when a couple of socialists assured me I had no right to think differently from any other socialist and then quarrelled with each other about what socialism meant, I ran away".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beliefs" when referring to a collection of ideas or principles that guide someone's actions or thoughts.

Common error

While both relate to conviction, "beliefs" are broader and can be secular, while "faiths" typically refer to religious convictions. Ensure your word choice aligns with the intended context.

Linguistic Context

The word "beliefs" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to the convictions, acceptances, or trust in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "beliefs" is a common and grammatically sound plural noun, denoting convictions or principles held as true. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans numerous contexts, predominantly within news and media. While largely neutral in register, it's important to differentiate "beliefs" from related terms like "faiths" or "values" to ensure precision. When using "beliefs", specify whose beliefs are being discussed and the context in order to improve clarity. Furthermore, examples from The Guardian showcase the word's application in discussions regarding politics, religion, and personal conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convictions

Emphasizes firmly held beliefs, often with a moral or ethical dimension.

persuasions

Highlights the state of being convinced of something, often in a religious or political context.

views

Focuses on a particular opinion or judgment.

opinions

Refers to a personal judgment or appraisal.

ideologies

Implies a systematic set of beliefs or ideas, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

principles

Stresses fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

tenets

Refers to a principle or belief held as true, often within a religion or philosophy.

doctrines

Implies a set of beliefs taught or held, especially by a church, political party, or other group.

creeds

Focuses on a formal statement of religious belief.

worldviews

Encompasses a comprehensive perspective or philosophy of life.

FAQs

How to use "beliefs" in a sentence?

"Beliefs" is a plural noun that refers to the convictions or principles that someone holds. For example, "Her "core beliefs" shaped her decisions."

What can I say instead of "beliefs"?

You can use alternatives like "convictions", "views", "opinions", or "ideologies", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "belief" instead of "beliefs"?

The singular form "belief" refers to a single conviction, while "beliefs" refers to a collection of convictions. The correct form depends on whether you are discussing one idea or multiple ideas.

What's the difference between "beliefs" and "values"?

"Beliefs" are what someone considers to be true, while "values" are what someone considers to be important or desirable. For example, someone might believe in equality, which informs their value of justice.