firm conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

"firm conviction" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a strong belief or opinion held by a person. For example, "John held a firm conviction that a university education was essential for a successful career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This firm conviction is based on truth and justice".

The Guardian

This should be the firm conviction of every Chinese and every Indian".

The New York Times

And the staff I got to know had the firm conviction that this effort could matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film's firm conviction that one or both of Mary's children were Henry's is disputed.

The Guardian - Film

After making the same comparison, we are left with a definite and firm conviction that his conclusion is incorrect.

Harvard University

What makes her a romantic — an ideologue — is her firm conviction that things will get better, somehow, somewhere.

The New Yorker

"Today's indictment reflects our firm conviction that when you sign your name to a legal document, it matters".

The New York Times

They're waiting patiently, like the long-suffering lot they are, in the firm conviction that someone has conned them.

The New York Times - Books

They held the firm conviction that conservatism was something that appealed exclusively to people in the provinces of the nation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What has never changed is my firm conviction that wearing this voluminous covering is a testimony of my faith.

The New York Times

That review leaves us "with the definite and firm conviction," that the district court's key findings are mistaken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firm conviction" to express a deeply held belief that influences your or someone else's actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "firm conviction" when you mean a mere assumption or guess. A "firm conviction" implies a belief supported by strong reasons or evidence, while an assumption is a belief without proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm conviction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a state of mind characterized by a strong and unwavering belief. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used correctly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm conviction" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a strong, unwavering belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. Its primary function is to express certainty and determination across diverse contexts, with a higher prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately represents a deeply held belief supported by sound reasoning, avoiding confusion with mere assumptions. For alternatives, consider options like "strong belief" or "unwavering belief" to suit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong belief

Replaces "conviction" with a more general term while retaining the emphasis on the strength of the belief.

deep-seated belief

Emphasizes the entrenched nature of the belief.

unwavering belief

Highlights the steadfast and resolute quality of the belief.

profound conviction

Replaces "firm" with "profound", suggesting a deep and significant belief.

unshakable belief

Implies that the belief is resistant to doubt or change.

resolute belief

Focuses on the determined and unwavering nature of the belief.

absolute certainty

Shifts the focus to the level of certainty rather than the firmness of the conviction.

unquestioning belief

Implies a complete acceptance without doubt.

fixed idea

Suggests a belief that is resistant to change and potentially obsessive.

strong opinion

Uses a more casual term for belief, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

How to use "firm conviction" in a sentence?

You can use "firm conviction" to describe a strong belief that someone holds, for example: "She holds a "firm conviction" that education is the key to success".

What can I say instead of "firm conviction"?

You can use alternatives like "strong belief", "deep-seated belief", or "unwavering belief" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "firm conviction" or "strong conviction"?

Both ""firm conviction"" and "strong conviction" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.

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

"Belief" is a general term for accepting something as true, while "conviction" implies a stronger, more certain belief. A ""firm conviction"" suggests a deeply rooted and unshakable belief.