encourage belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encourage belief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the idea of rousing or inspiring someone to have faith or confidence. For example, "The teacher's words of praise encouraged belief in his students' abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's one thing to let her believe, it's another actively to encourage belief".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All in all, it was a mightily impressive performance, the sort of win to encourage belief that Konta really can go deep in this draw.

The Guardian - Sport

14 15 The use of diagnostic techniques and antibiotics might encourage belief in antibiotics and in the necessity of seeing a general practitioner for the problem, thus "medicalising" a condition that is often self limiting.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Buddhism doesn't encourage beliefs in gods or their veneration and yet Buddhists in Sri Lanka make an annual pilgrimage to Kataragama.

Wikipedia

His co-writer/co-star Aykroyd was raised as a Spiritualist, a philosophy/religion that encourages belief and communication with the afterlife.

Huffington Post

This inscription, taken with the speed of composition, has encouraged belief in the apocryphal story that Handel wrote the music in a fervour of divine inspiration in which, as he wrote the "Hallelujah" chorus, "he saw all heaven before him".

Wikipedia

His chatty stump speeches encourage that belief.

The New York Times

One consequence of this approach is that it may encourage the belief that learning consists of a large number of distinct processes that have nothing in common with one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the other objection to his settlement is that it will serve only to encourage the belief among investors that somebody besides themselves was to blame for the bubble and that they should be compensated.

The Economist

The rapid spread of Islam from north Africa to Asia within a century of its inception can largely be attributed to its ability to absorb and encourage the belief systems and teachings of foreign cultures.

The Guardian - Opinion

The source of their shared appeal is not any particular program they promoted, like Social Security or civil rights, but a common impulse to encourage a belief in a better — a more prosperous, safer — America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encourage belief", specify the subject of the belief to provide clarity. For example, "encourage belief in the company's mission" is more effective than simply "encourage belief".

Common error

Avoid using "encourage belief" in overly broad contexts without specifying what the belief pertains to. This can lead to vagueness and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encourage belief" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating an action taken to promote or strengthen a particular conviction. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encourage belief" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies promoting or fostering faith or confidence. While Ludwig reports its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, and it appears across various contexts such as news, science, and general knowledge. Effective use of the phrase involves specifying the object of belief to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "foster faith" and "inspire confidence", offering nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, understanding the contexts where it is most appropriate and the potential for misinterpretation is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encourage faith in

Adds a prepositional phrase to specify what is being believed in.

foster faith

Focuses on nurturing faith, emphasizing growth and development over initial instigation.

promote conviction

Highlights the act of advancing a firm belief, adding a layer of active endorsement.

inspire confidence

Shifts the focus to building trust and assurance, rather than belief in a specific idea.

instill faith

Suggests implanting faith deeply within someone, implying a lasting effect.

cultivate trust

Emphasizes the careful and gradual development of trust over time.

nurture confidence

Highlights the caring and supportive aspect of building confidence.

advance belief

Suggests actively pushing forward or promoting a particular belief.

propagate faith

Implies spreading faith widely, similar to disseminating information.

spark confidence

Implies an immediate burst of confidence, rather than a gradual building process.

FAQs

How can I use "encourage belief" in a sentence?

You can use "encourage belief" to describe actions that promote faith or confidence. For example, "The positive feedback from the coach helped "encourage belief" in the team's ability to win."

What's a stronger alternative to "encourage belief"?

Alternatives such as "instill faith" or "foster faith" can convey a more profound or lasting impact on someone's confidence.

Is it always positive to "encourage belief"?

While generally positive, "encourage belief" can also be used critically when the belief is unfounded or harmful. Context is crucial in determining the connotation.

How does "encourage belief" differ from "promote understanding"?

"Encourage belief" focuses on fostering confidence or faith, while "promote understanding" emphasizes improving comprehension. Depending on the context, it's important to select the phrase that aligns with your intended meaning.