but believed not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but believed not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone expresses doubt or disbelief about a statement or situation. Example: "He told her the truth, but believed not what he said."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A more likely cause, porcine circovirus, a disease common among pigs but believed not to be harmful to humans, turned up in samples of the carcasses taken by the Shanghai authorities.

The New York Times

For the 6/13 patients who were eligible for PIL-FAST, travelled with a PIL-FAST-trained paramedic and not recruited, paramedic records indicated the following: considered for PIL-FAST but believed not to be eligible (n=1), considered for PIL-FAST but no further details given about non-enrolment (n=1) and no notes about PIL-FAST (n=4).

Emergency Medicine Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These landmark papers are cited in the present article but, I believe, not entirely in the right context.

Biology Direct

But ultimately he believes not all member states have done enough to share the economic burden.

BBC

But believing is not good enough.

Huffington Post

But believing doesn't make it so.

The New York Times

I'm sure you are, I said, not believing, but not wanting to offend.

Forbes

4 Here, knowledge cannot be claimed if something is true but not believed or believed but not true (ie, lacking justification).

BMJ Quality and Safety

But believe me, you are not alone.

Huffington Post

But being believed shouldn't have to be enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

But believe me, it won't matter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "but did not believe" or "but did not accept" for better clarity and wider understanding.

Common error

While "but believed not" is grammatically sound, its somewhat archaic tone can make writing sound unnatural or overly formal. Opt for more contemporary alternatives to ensure your writing resonates with a modern audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but believed not" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking two contrasting ideas where the latter expresses disbelief or a lack of acceptance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct, albeit uncommon.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but believed not" is a grammatically valid, though uncommon, way to express disbelief or a lack of acceptance. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is advisable to consider more contemporary alternatives, such as "but did not believe", for greater clarity and resonance with modern audiences. Its usage appears primarily in news and scientific contexts. While technically correct, be mindful of its somewhat archaic tone to ensure your writing remains accessible and engaging. The best use of this phrase may depend on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but did not believe

Replaces "believed not" with the more common "did not believe" for increased clarity.

but did not accept

Focuses on the lack of acceptance rather than the lack of belief.

but remained unconvinced

Emphasizes a state of not being persuaded.

but doubted

A more concise way of expressing disbelief.

but questioned

Highlights the act of questioning rather than outright disbelief.

but was skeptical

Indicates a general attitude of doubt.

but dismissed

Suggests a rejection of the idea or statement.

but found it hard to believe

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

but rejected the idea

Focuses on actively rejecting a concept.

but had reservations

Indicates uncertainty and a lack of full agreement.

FAQs

What does "but believed not" mean?

The phrase "but believed not" means that someone did not accept or have faith in something, despite being presented with information or evidence. It's similar to saying "but did not believe".

How can I use "but believed not" in a sentence?

You can use "but believed not" to express disbelief after a statement. For example: "He told her the truth, "but believed not" what he said."

Which is more common, "but believed not" or "but did not believe"?

"But did not believe" is far more common in contemporary English. "But believed not" sounds somewhat archaic and is rarely used.

What are some alternatives to "but believed not"?

Alternatives to "but believed not" include "but did not believe", "but did not accept", or "but remained unconvinced", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.