foster a belief

USAGE SUMMARY

"foster a belief" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe taking steps to cultivate a particular view or conviction. For example: "The school's mission is to foster a belief in academic excellence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The focus of the process has been to improve services, bring the community together and foster a belief that local people can make a positive difference.

The Guardian

One of the ideas she and Schneider touch on is how some atheists try to foster a belief in heaven towards the end of their lives.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Justice Stevens said in dissent that the majority's distinction was unpersuasive because just as the all-male clubs had not made the exclusion of women a central goal, "there is no shared goal or collective effort to foster a belief about homosexuality" in the Boy Scouts, "let alone one that is significantly burdened by admitting homosexuals".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In part, the defeats handed out to previous Labour governments fostered a belief that the party had to make itself financial-market friendly.

The Guardian - Books

A series of bail-outs brokered, if not always underwritten, by the Fed have fostered a belief among some large investors that if they bet and lose big, the Fed will insulate them from the consequences.

The Economist

Murray's second serve has long been the weakest link in his game, but marked gains in speed and spin over the past year had fostered a belief that he was better equipped to face the world No1 this time out.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is also no question that many so-called recovered memories, particularly those involving allegations of childhood sexual abuse by a parent or other close relative, teacher or friend, are often fictions induced by the concerted efforts of a therapist who fosters a belief that becomes so deeply held it seems like a real memory.

The New York Times - Health

Without of this integration, researchers and the users of the various tools and methods associated with safety culture have sometimes fostered a belief that "safety culture" in fact represents such a systemic view about safety.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Research stresses the importance of schooling as a tool to shape, from a very young age, an emotional system able to create for each individual a body of positive memories thus founding and fostering a belief system that will guide the future young adult towards rational and sensible behavior.

City, Territory and Architecture

But Reeves is right: the horror in Sichuan Province could well foster a lasting belief that the Chinese people have been through enough.

The New York Times - Sports

To try to show us the world through their eyes is to foster a misplaced belief that we understand what they are going through.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foster a belief", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions are being taken to cultivate or encourage the particular belief. Be specific about the methods used.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effectiveness of efforts to "foster a belief". It's more credible to describe the actions taken and the potential to influence beliefs, rather than claiming absolute success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster a belief" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of encouraging or developing a particular conviction or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it signifies taking steps to cultivate a view.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "foster a belief" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the action of cultivating or encouraging a particular conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively infrequent, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. Related phrases such as "cultivate a belief" or "instill a belief" can offer nuanced alternatives. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to ensure effective communication. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reinforce a belief

Focuses on strengthening an existing belief rather than initially creating one.

cultivate a belief

Emphasizes the gradual development of a belief over time.

instill a belief

Suggests a more deliberate and impactful introduction of a belief into someone's mind.

promote a belief

Highlights the act of actively advocating for a particular belief to spread.

encourage a belief

Implies providing support or motivation for someone to adopt a belief.

nurture a belief

Suggests a gentle and caring approach to developing a belief.

develop a belief

Focuses on the process of a belief forming and growing.

inculcate a belief

Describes teaching or impressing upon someone a belief through frequent instruction or repetition.

generate a belief

Emphasizes the creation or origination of a new belief.

plant a belief

Uses a metaphor to suggest introducing a belief into someone's mind with the hope that it will grow.

FAQs

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

You can use "foster a belief" to describe actions that encourage or cultivate a particular viewpoint. For example, "The program aims to foster a belief in the importance of education."

What are some alternatives to "foster a belief"?

Some alternatives include "cultivate a belief", "instill a belief", or "promote a belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "foster a belief" or "fostering a belief"?

"Foster a belief" is typically used as an infinitive phrase, while "fostering a belief" is a gerund or present participle. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What is the difference between "foster a belief" and "encourage a belief"?

"Foster a belief" implies a more nurturing and long-term approach to developing a belief, whereas "encourage a belief" suggests providing support or motivation for someone to adopt an already existing belief.