but he believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but he believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or to indicate that despite other information or opinions, the subject held a belief. Example: "Everyone doubted the plan's success, but he believed it would work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But he believed".

The New Yorker

But he believed this was necessary.

The New Yorker

But he believed in being prepared.

The New York Times

But he believed that they thought they were.

The New Yorker

But he believed that this happened only slowly.

The New Yorker

But he believed in arson, not in cease-fires.

The New York Times - Magazine

He joked about it, but he believed it.

The New Yorker

He had never won here, but he believed he could.

The New York Times - Sports

But he believed in what he was doing," Eknaligoda said.

The Guardian

"But he believed it, and he did it".

The Guardian

But he believed he was still vulnerable, so he retreated slightly further.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but he believed" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or action based on someone's conviction, adding depth to character development or explaining motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "but he believed" when the second clause doesn't genuinely contrast with the first. The phrase is most effective when it highlights a divergence in expectations or common assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but he believed" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses where the second clause introduces a contrast or unexpected action based on the subject's belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but he believed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a contrasting element based on someone's conviction. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight individual beliefs against opposing circumstances. When writing, ensure the contrast is genuine to maximize its effectiveness. Consider using alternatives like "yet he was convinced" or "however, he had faith" for varied expression. The usage is considered correct by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet he was convinced

Emphasizes the strength of his conviction despite opposing factors.

however, he had faith

Highlights the aspect of faith or trust in his belief.

nonetheless, he was certain

Focuses on his certainty, even with contradicting information.

still, he maintained that

Indicates persistence in his belief despite challenges.

even so, he presumed

Suggests he made an assumption based on his belief.

despite this, his view was

Highlights that his opinion or view was different.

in spite of everything, his opinion was

Emphasizes a conflicting opinion despite challenges.

even then, his conviction was

Highlights a conflicting conviction even when something else happened.

conversely, he considered

Implies an opposite consideration or perspective.

on the other hand, his perception was

Suggests an alternative viewpoint or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "but he believed" in a sentence?

Use "but he believed" to introduce a contrasting thought or action based on a person's conviction. For example, "Everyone doubted the plan, "but he believed" it would succeed."

What are some alternatives to "but he believed"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "yet he was convinced", "however he had faith", or "nonetheless he was certain", which all convey a contrast between an idea and someone's strong conviction.

Is "but he believed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but he believed" is grammatically correct. It's a conjunction phrase that introduces a contrasting clause.

What's the difference between "but he believed" and "but he thought"?

"But he believed" implies a stronger conviction or faith, while "but he thought" suggests a more casual or tentative consideration. Belief is a stronger conviction than thought.