believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is assumed to be true, even though it has not been proven. Example: I believed that her story was true, but I still asked her to provide evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is believed to have launched a long-range rocket and put an object into orbit in December 2012, defying scepticism and international warnings not to pursue such a programme, which could be used to develop intercontinental missiles.

The Guardian

That is something he absolutely believed in.

The Guardian

Abbott said the federal government believed "the states should take more responsibility for their public hospitals and for their public schools and we make no apologies for wanting the states to be grown up, adult governments that take responsibility for the programs that are theirs, for the institutions that they run".

The Guardian

I believed them.

The Guardian - Film

I never believed it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Miraculously, he survived the twin explosions, believed to be the work of Islamist insurgents Boko Haram, that left at least 123 dead.

The Guardian

Meanwhile Reg Wilson, who had committed a vile, sadistic murder and been diagnosed as a psychopath, said he believed hope was only for the weak.

The Guardian

He admitted that when the virus first struck "there was probably a lack of knowledge and there was a certain degree of arrogance", but he said he believed lessons were being learned.

The Guardian

It is believed the ADF has no portable isolation units.

The Guardian

"In myself, yes," said Pearce, when asked if he believed he would still be in charge next Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

What tuition fees did to Nick Clegg, this leadership U-turn is already doing to Farage, turning him into a human punchline who will never be believed again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "believed" to convey a past state of mind or conviction, particularly when the belief is relevant to the narrative or argument being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "believe" when "believed" (past tense) is required. "Believe" is the present tense verb, while "believed" is the past tense. Make sure you are using the correct tense according to the context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "believed" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'believe'. It is used to indicate a state of having held a particular conviction or opinion in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "believed" functions as the past tense of the verb "believe", conveying a state of conviction or opinion held in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that "believed" is correct and suitable for use in written English. It is commonly used in news and media sources to report on past events or opinions. To ensure accurate usage, remember that "believe" is the present tense form, while "believed" is the past tense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thought

Expresses a similar idea of holding an opinion or conviction, but may imply less certainty.

assumed

Indicates taking something for granted without proof, similar to believing but with less emphasis on conviction.

presumed

Implies a belief based on probability or likelihood, often in the absence of direct evidence.

considered

Suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful process of forming a belief.

deemed

Indicates a formal or official judgment or opinion, carrying a stronger sense of authority.

held the opinion

A more formal way of expressing a belief or viewpoint.

was of the view

Similar to 'held the opinion' but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

took it as

Implies an interpretation or understanding that is accepted as true.

had faith in

Highlights the aspect of trust or confidence in something or someone.

was under the impression

Suggests a belief that may or may not be accurate, often implying a misunderstanding.

FAQs

How can I use "believed" in a sentence?

You can use "believed" to describe a past conviction or opinion someone held. For example, "She "believed" in the power of positive thinking."

What are some alternatives to using "believed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "thought", "assumed", or "presumed".

Which is correct, "believed" or "believe"?

"Believed" is the past tense form of "believe". Use "believed" when referring to a past state of mind or action, while "believe" is used for present tense.

What's the difference between "believed" and "knew"?

"Believed" implies a conviction or acceptance of something as true without absolute proof, while "knew" suggests certainty based on evidence or experience.