both believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two subjects who share the same belief or opinion about something. Example: "Both believed that the project would succeed despite the challenges they faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jimmy Carter's Justice Department and Dick Cheney both believed these watchdogs violated the constitutional separation of powers.

The New York Times - Books

The respondents in our sample and the Japanese one both believed close family members to be helpful.

BMC Psychiatry

We both believed in God.

The New Yorker

They also both believed, generally, in containment.

The New Yorker

Both believed a workers' revolution was imminent.

The New York Times - Books

They both believed in an afterlife.

The Guardian - Books

They both believed they needed him.

The Guardian - Sport

Both believed in the possibility of change.

The Guardian - Music

Both believed they had abandoned each other, and they divorced.

The Guardian

"Both believed in unification and centralization on a large scale.

The New Yorker

"We both believed that's not fair to the kid".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "both agreed" or "both concurred" to add variety to your writing, especially if you use "both believed" frequently.

Common error

Avoid using "both believed" when the subjects hold similar but not identical beliefs. Instead, specify the nuances in their individual perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both believed" functions as a conjunction phrase indicating a shared belief between two subjects. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying agreement or common conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both believed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate a shared belief between two subjects. According to Ludwig, it's prevalent in News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While synonyms like "both agreed" or "both concurred" exist, "both believed" remains a reliable choice for expressing shared convictions. It is important to ensure the shared belief is clearly defined and specified in the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both shared the belief

Highlights the shared nature of the belief.

both agreed

A simpler and more direct way to express shared belief.

both were convinced

Replaces 'believed' with 'convinced', suggesting a stronger sense of certainty.

both held the view

Similar to 'opinion' but can also refer to a formal viewpoint.

both were of the opinion

Emphasizes that it's a matter of opinion rather than fact.

both concurred

More formal, implying agreement on a specific point.

they were both believers

Focuses on them as individuals holding a particular belief.

both understood

Suggests a shared comprehension or insight.

both were under the impression

Suggests a belief based on incomplete information.

both had faith

Implies a belief without needing proof.

FAQs

How can I use "both believed" in a sentence?

You can use "both believed" to indicate a shared opinion or conviction between two subjects. For instance, "They "both believed" in the importance of education."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "both believed"?

Alternatives include "both agreed", "both concurred", or "both shared the belief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "both believed"?

Yes, "both believed" is grammatically correct. It accurately reflects a past tense action or state of shared belief.

What's the difference between "both believed" and "they both believed"?

"Both believed" and "they both believed" are largely interchangeable. "They both believed" might be used for emphasis, but the core meaning remains the same.