conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'conviction' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a strong belief or opinion about something. For example, "She had a strong conviction that she would be successful in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest".

The Guardian

Based on the true story of the wrongful conviction of black boxer Rubin Carter, the film has been criticised for bending the facts, which may have damaged its chances, but its star, Denzel Washington, appears in the best actor category.

The Guardian - Film

As the Italian senate was deciding to expel Berlusconi following his conviction for tax fraud, the man himself was addressing a rally of his supporters outside his home in Rome.

The Guardian - Opinion

But she said the media – traditional and social – had misrepresented her son, whom she characterises as a "gentle giant", despite his conviction in 2014 for a home invasion.

The Guardian

"Very serious allegations have been raised which throw into doubt the safety of our conviction, and there is possibly a miscarriage of justice.

The Guardian

Farage also said that he would ban anyone with a murder conviction from migrating to Britain after Arnis Zalkans, the Latvian builder who was jailed in his home country for the murder of his wife in 1998, emerged as the prime suspect in the murder of the teenage Londoner Alice Gross.

The Guardian

It is intended to cut costs and speed up criminal trials by building what the police refer to as "appropriate case files" that contain the minimum forensic evidence needed to secure a conviction.

The Guardian

"Donations were received from Polly Peck companies more than 22 years ago," a spokesman said after Nadir's conviction in August.

The Guardian - Business

Mulligan's conviction that she could succeed as a performer resulted in an introduction to a casting director through Fellowes and then – to her family's surprise – a small but visible part in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, playing the "silly" fourth Bennet sister, Kitty.

The Guardian - Film

But I should say in recent years, conviction rates have been rising in Maharashtra and Mumbai.

The Guardian

A lot of effort has been made to improve investigation and conviction has been steadily rising".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conviction" when you want to emphasize a firm belief or a formal declaration of guilt in a legal setting. It carries a weight of certainty and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "conviction" solely to describe a strong personal belief if there is no implication of a legal judgment. Use alternatives like "belief", "persuasion", or "faith" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conviction" is that of a noun, referring to a firmly held belief or the outcome of a legal trial. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "conviction" is very commonly used to describe either a firmly held belief or a judgment of guilt in a court of law. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse sources, including news media and formal business documents. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to distinguish between its general meaning of a strong belief and its specific legal implication. Related phrases such as "firm belief" or ""legal sentence"" can provide alternative expressions depending on the intended context. Using "conviction" precisely ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm belief

Focuses on the strength of belief rather than the legal aspect of conviction.

deep-seated belief

Highlights the long-held and profound nature of the belief.

unwavering faith

Implies a steadfast and resolute belief that does not falter.

strong persuasion

Emphasizes the act of convincing someone or being convinced.

certain opinion

Emphasizes the sureness and confidence in one's view.

declared belief

Stresses the public announcement or avowal of a belief.

criminal judgment

Directly indicates a court's decision in a criminal case.

personal creed

Suggests a set of fundamental beliefs guiding one's life.

moral principle

Focuses on a belief about right and wrong guiding behavior.

legal sentence

Specifically refers to the punishment imposed by a court after a guilty verdict.

FAQs

How is "conviction" used in legal contexts?

In legal terms, "conviction" refers to the formal declaration by a court that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, often leading to sentencing.

What are some synonyms for "conviction" related to strong belief?

Synonyms for "conviction" when referring to a strong belief include "firm belief", "strong persuasion", and "deep-seated belief".

Can "conviction" be used interchangeably with "belief"?

While related, "conviction" implies a stronger and more certain belief than simply "belief". "Conviction" also carries a legal meaning absent from "belief".

What's the difference between "conviction" and "sentence"?

"Conviction" is the finding of guilt, while "sentence" is the punishment imposed after a "legal sentence".