by conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

"by conviction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a strongly held belief or opinion. For example: "He was a man of strong moral character, guided by conviction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He leads by conviction, not calculation.

The New York Times

But Mr Blair was a centrist by conviction.

The Economist

Mr Ellis shows a man guided by conviction and ambition.

The Economist

Most of us belong by conviction not convention.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were drawn to the movement by conviction.

The New York Times

Heinrich Julius was an autocrat by conviction and a persecutor of Jews and witches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From his middle-class Argentinian youth, he became a revolutionary by conviction and profession.

The Economist

Gandhi was culturally a vegetarian, but he became vegetarian by conviction after meeting Salt.

The New York Times

By contrast, Mr. Martins's works to American music never seem driven by conviction.

The New York Times - Arts

Tebow is powered by conviction and operating on faith, and so are the teammates he's leading.

The New York Times

It reads like a list put together by committee, not driven by conviction.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by conviction" to emphasize that a decision or action is rooted in a deeply held personal belief, rather than external pressure or convenience. For instance, "He voted against the bill, not due to party pressure, but by conviction."

Common error

Avoid using "by conviction" when a simpler phrase like "sincerely" or "truly" would suffice. "By conviction" implies a profound and well-considered belief system driving the action, not just a passing feeling or whim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by conviction" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the basis or motivation for an action or belief. As evidenced by Ludwig, it highlights that the action is driven by deeply held principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by conviction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that adds emphasis to actions or beliefs driven by strong, personal principles. Ludwig's AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While appropriate for various contexts, it's best used when highlighting the deep-seated nature of one's beliefs. Alternatives like "out of principle" or "guided by conscience" can offer similar meanings but shift the emphasis slightly. Remember, "by conviction" should be reserved for situations where actions truly stem from profound personal values, avoiding its misuse as a simple descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of principle

Emphasizes acting according to a moral or ethical code, shifting focus from personal belief to adherence to principles.

from deeply held beliefs

Highlights the intensity and personal investment in the beliefs guiding the action, adding emotional weight.

guided by conscience

Focuses on moral compass as the driving force, suggesting ethical considerations are primary.

based on firm belief

Stresses the strength and certainty of the belief, making it the foundation for action.

with unwavering faith

Emphasizes steadfastness and trust, implying a spiritual or deeply personal commitment.

driven by ideals

Suggests actions are motivated by a vision of a perfect or better world, highlighting aspirational goals.

motivated by inner values

Points to personal ethics and moral standards as the source of motivation, underlining individuality.

through personal creed

Implies a set of fundamental beliefs that strongly influence actions, emphasizing a structured belief system.

according to personal tenets

Highlights adherence to a specific set of doctrines or principles that guide behavior.

from a position of faith

Underlines that actions come as a result of religious or spiritual beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "by conviction" in a sentence?

Use "by conviction" to show that someone's actions or beliefs are strongly rooted in their personal values or principles. For example: "She stood her ground "by conviction", despite facing opposition."

What's a good alternative to saying someone is acting "by conviction"?

Depending on the context, you could say someone is acting "out of principle", "guided by conscience", or "based on firm belief".

Is it ever incorrect to use "by conviction"?

It would be incorrect to use "by conviction" if someone's actions are motivated by something other than deeply held beliefs, such as fear, obligation, or social pressure. Make sure the phrase accurately reflects the driving force behind the action.

What is the difference between acting "by conviction" and acting "on a whim"?

Acting "by conviction" means making decisions based on deeply rooted beliefs and values, while acting "on a whim" means making impulsive decisions without much thought or planning. The former reflects careful consideration; the latter, spontaneity.