best believe

USAGE SUMMARY

"best believe" is not an acceptable phrase in written English.
Instead, you can use the phrase "best to believe" in the same context. Example: The scientists presented evidence that the world is warming—best to believe them, as they are experts in the field.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"You can best believe that".

The New York Times - Sports

"You best believe the water suppliers will be looking very carefully at those numbers".

The New York Times

"You best believe we're going to get their best shot, and I believe they are going to get ours".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can best believe I was rooting for them in the Super Bowl and not the other team," Scott said, the other team being the New England Patriots.

The New York Times - Sports

He has performed well there, and those who know him best believe that he may well develop into one of the best strikers in Europe.

Independent

One line in this album's title track – "easy for a good girl to go bad, and once we gone best believe we've gone for ever" – made it clear where Rihanna's career was heading.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Those who knew him best believed Carlyle to be impotent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She knows that musicals are best believed when the sentimentality is minimized and the action happens with a knowing wink.

The New Yorker

She knows that musicals, though make-believe, are best believed when the sentimentality is minimized and the action happens with a knowing wink.

The New Yorker

"However, I always trained at my best, believing in my possibilities and in the moment I was called in action, I was prepared.

Independent

It works best, believes Mr Austin, when companies "add value" to the Twitter conversation, for example by giving fans sneak previews, or providing advice and feedback.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal communication, "best believe" can add emphasis and personality. However, be mindful of your audience and the context. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "best believe" in academic papers, professional reports, or any situation requiring formal English. Instead, opt for more appropriate alternatives like "you can be sure" or "rest assured."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best believe" functions as an emphatic assertion, used to underscore the speaker's certainty about a statement. While Ludwig examples showcase its usage, it's essential to note its non-standard grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best believe" is a popular expression used to emphasize certainty, similar to saying "you can be sure". However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically incorrect for formal writing. While very common in informal contexts like news media and online content, using more standard alternatives is advisable in formal contexts to maintain credibility. Remember to consider the register of your writing and choose your words accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you can be sure

Replaces "best believe" with a more standard expression of certainty.

you can bet on it

Offers a more colloquial alternative, implying confidence in an outcome.

rest assured

Provides a formal way to offer reassurance.

without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty in a situation.

it's a safe bet

Suggests a high probability of something occurring.

you can count on it

Indicates reliability and dependability.

it's guaranteed

Implies a firm promise or assurance.

take it to the bank

A very informal way of expressing certainty; less versatile.

mark my words

Adds a tone of warning or insistence.

take my word for it

Asks for trust in the speaker's statement.

FAQs

What does "best believe" mean?

The phrase "best believe" is an informal way of saying "you can be sure" or "you can bet on it". It's used to emphasize the truth or certainty of a statement.

Is it correct to say "best believe"?

While commonly used, "best believe" is grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's more suitable for casual conversations or informal content.

What can I say instead of "best believe"?

You can use alternatives like "you can be sure", "rest assured", or "you can count on it" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "best believe"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations, social media posts, or when writing for a less formal audience. Avoid it in professional or academic writing.