believing this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "believing this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a belief or assumption about a particular statement or situation. Example: "If you are believing this, then you might want to reconsider the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I had trouble believing this was possible.

The New York Times

Listeners have a hard time believing this.

The New York Times - Arts

I fooled myself into actually believing this.

The New York Times - Magazine

He never stopped believing this day would come.

The Guardian

Pei agrees, believing this would improve both athletes' performance and their wellbeing.

The New York Times

(Brodsky, who was translating his own poems into English, had a stake in believing this).

The New Yorker

She started her career believing this and ended it that way, a half century later.

The New York Times

I once thought that I could fool others into believing this was not true.

The New York Times

The regulars at the Rose and Crown have a hard time believing this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rivers, in a surprise, started Ewing, believing this might indeed be his farewell appearance.

The New York Times - Sports

Margot Kidder, apparently believing this is another "Bewitched" remake, turns up playing a character named Endora.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "believing this", ensure that the referent (what "this" refers to) is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. Use contextual clues or rephrase if necessary to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "believing this" when the statement or idea being referred to is not immediately clear from the context. Readers may misinterpret or become confused about what "this" represents. Rephrase to explicitly state the belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "believing this" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the reason or condition upon which an action is based. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "believing this" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a gerund phrase to justify actions or statements, primarily within News & Media and Scientific contexts. While versatile, clarity is crucial: always ensure the referent of "this" is unambiguous. Consider alternatives such as "accepting this" or "assuming this" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate rationale and conviction in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepting this

Focuses on the act of taking something as true or valid, often without questioning.

being convinced of this

Indicates a strong sense of certainty and belief.

assuming this

Highlights the act of taking something for granted, possibly without sufficient evidence.

presuming this

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

taking this as fact

Emphasizes treating something as a confirmed and indisputable truth.

concluding this

Suggests a belief formed after a process of reasoning or evaluation.

maintaining this

Emphasizes a continued or persistent belief, despite potential challenges or counterarguments.

asserting this

Highlights a confident and forceful declaration of belief.

holding this view

Emphasizes the possession of a particular opinion or perspective.

operating under this assumption

Focuses on acting or making decisions based on a specific belief or presumption.

FAQs

How can I use "believing this" in a sentence?

The phrase "believing this" typically follows a statement or clause and indicates that someone holds the subsequent idea or fact as true. For example, "The data suggests a decline in sales; believing this, the company decided to cut costs."

What are some alternatives to "believing this"?

You can use alternatives like "accepting this", "assuming this", or "being convinced of this", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "believing this" or "believing in this"?

"Believing this" refers to accepting a specific statement or idea as true. "Believing in this" generally refers to having faith or trust in something more abstract, like a concept or principle. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "assuming this" and "believing this"?

Assuming this implies taking something for granted, potentially without solid evidence, while "believing this" suggests a stronger conviction or acceptance of something as true, based on available information or personal judgment.