erode confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erode confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or actions that diminish or weaken someone's trust or belief in something or someone. Example: "The constant criticism from her peers began to erode her confidence in her abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It does erode confidence a little bit".

The New York Times

That would further erode confidence and dent consumer balance sheets.

The New York Times

"That does erode confidence, certainly in the Congress," Inman said.

The Guardian

You take away space, you pressure, you erode confidence.

The New Yorker

"That will erode confidence in the economy," he said.

The New York Times

declaring that such studies were harmful, because they were threatening to erode confidence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Their unpredictability erodes confidence.

The Economist

But the case is already eroding confidence.

The Economist

High gasoline prices are pinching consumer budgets and eroding confidence.

The New York Times

Such episodes, he acknowledged, were eroding confidence in the F.A.A.

The New York Times

Other setbacks have also eroded confidence in the company.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "erode confidence", consider the specific context to determine if a more forceful synonym like "undermine" or "damage" might be more appropriate to convey the intended impact. For a gentler reduction, "lessen" may be more apt.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "erode confidence" in highly formal or scientific writing. While grammatically sound, it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "diminish trust" or "compromise reliability", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erode confidence" functions as a verb phrase where "erode" acts as a transitive verb taking "confidence" as its direct object. This structure describes an action that diminishes or weakens trust. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "erode confidence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the gradual weakening of trust or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "undermine confidence" or "weaken confidence", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When crafting your message, consider whether a more forceful or a gentler term best fits the situation to accurately depict the diminishing of confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undermine confidence

This alternative suggests a more forceful or deliberate weakening of confidence.

Weaken confidence

This phrase suggests making confidence less strong, similar to "erode confidence".

Damage confidence

This implies causing harm to confidence, suggesting a negative impact.

Reduce confidence

This alternative focuses on diminishing the level or amount of confidence.

Impairs confidence

This suggests weakening or damaging confidence, making it less effective.

Compromise confidence

This means to reduce the quality or value of trust.

Corrode confidence

This implies a gradual and destructive process affecting confidence, much like erosion.

Jeopardize confidence

This alternative suggests putting confidence at risk.

Threaten confidence

This phrase suggests posing a risk to confidence, indicating a potential loss.

Destroys confidence

This alternative suggests the complete loss of trust in something.

FAQs

How can I use "erode confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "erode confidence" to describe situations where trust or belief is gradually weakened. For example, "The company's repeated failures began to erode confidence among investors".

What are some alternatives to "erode confidence"?

You can use alternatives like "undermine confidence", "weaken confidence", or "damage confidence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "erode confidence" or "undermine confidence"?

Both "erode confidence" and "undermine confidence" are correct, but "undermine confidence" suggests a more forceful or deliberate action, while "erode confidence" implies a gradual weakening.

What does it mean when something is said to "erode confidence"?

When something "erodes confidence", it means that it gradually diminishes trust or belief in a person, system, or idea over time.