believe to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "believe to be" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express a feeling that something is likely to be true. For example, "I believe the cause of the fire to be electrical in nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do you believe to be possible?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm just stating what I believe to be fact.

The New York Times - Arts

What matters is what we can believe to be truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Whatever you believe to be true becomes your experience".

The New York Times

We promote what we believe to be English values.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This latter outcome the directors believe to be unlikely".

The Guardian

So somebody living in sin I believe to be wrong".

The Guardian - Sport

"Leeds would then, I believe, to be punching its weight.

The Guardian

What do astrology defenders believe to be the positive benefits?

The New York Times

A paradox which I believe to be the human condition.

The Guardian

For such manifolds we obtain upper bounds on the heat kernels which we believe to be nearly optimal.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "believe to be", ensure that the belief is based on some form of evidence or reasoning, even if it's not conclusive. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting something you "believe to be" true as an absolute fact without sufficient evidence. Clearly distinguish between your beliefs and established truths to maintain objectivity and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "believe to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to express a speaker's subjective assessment or opinion regarding a particular matter. It introduces a degree of uncertainty or personal conviction, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "believe to be" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express a reasoned opinion or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific research, and academic discourse. While it is commonly used, it's essential to differentiate personal beliefs from established facts to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "consider to be" or "deem to be" offer subtle variations in meaning, providing writers with nuanced options for conveying their perspectives. Remember, while expressing what you "believe to be" true, it's important to provide some form of supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider to be

Replaces 'believe' with 'consider', indicating a more thoughtful evaluation.

deem to be

Uses 'deem' instead of 'believe', suggesting a more formal judgment.

regard as

Expresses a similar sentiment by using 'regard' which focuses on how something is viewed.

perceive as

Focuses on sensory or intuitive understanding instead of belief.

presume to be

Indicates an assumption, often without concrete proof.

assume to be

Similar to 'presume', but can also imply taking something for granted.

take for granted to be

More explicitly states that something is accepted without question.

understand to be

Focuses on comprehension or interpretation, rather than belief.

judge to be

Implies a formal or critical assessment leading to a conclusion.

view as

Similar to 'regard as', but slightly more general in its application.

FAQs

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

Use "believe to be" to express a reasoned opinion or assumption. For example, "I believe the cause of the error to be a software glitch."

What phrases are similar to "believe to be"?

Similar phrases include "consider to be", "deem to be", and "regard as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "believe to be" in formal writing?

While "believe to be" is generally acceptable, consider stronger verbs like 'conclude' or 'determine' if you have solid evidence. In formal writing, clarity and precision are paramount.

What's the difference between "believe to be" and "know to be"?

"Believe to be" expresses an opinion or assumption based on available information. "Know to be" implies certainty and confirmed knowledge. Using "know to be" requires verifiable proof.