have trouble believing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have trouble believing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing difficulty in accepting or trusting something as true. Example: "I have trouble believing that he would betray his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I still have trouble believing the sequence of events".

The New Yorker

I also have trouble believing he is wealthy.

The New Yorker

That's why I have trouble believing that is the plan.

The New York Times

But, as Murphy acknowledged on the floor of the Senate, we have trouble believing that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I have trouble believing the conversion to Obamanomics is coincidental.

The New Yorker

I have trouble believing that God is that merciful and just.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I had trouble believing this was possible.

The New York Times

He said he had trouble believing it was an accident.

The New York Times

Even Mr. Barone sometimes has trouble believing it.

The New York Times - Arts

He said he had trouble believing that the allegations were true.

The New Yorker

He sometimes still has trouble believing that he is actually married.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have trouble believing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the disbelief. Be specific about the reason for your skepticism to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have trouble believing" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "find it difficult to accept" or "remain unconvinced" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have trouble believing" primarily functions as a declarative expression used to convey a speaker's difficulty or inability to accept something as true or credible. As evidenced by Ludwig, this expression commonly introduces a statement of disbelief or doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "have trouble believing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express skepticism or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Some useful alternatives include "find it hard to believe" and "struggle to believe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find it hard to believe

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting something as true.

struggle to believe

Highlights the effort involved in trying to accept something.

can't quite believe

Suggests a lingering sense of wonder or disbelief.

doubt very much

Expresses a strong feeling of uncertainty.

am skeptical of

Indicates a questioning or critical attitude.

remain unconvinced

Implies a continued lack of persuasion.

have my doubts

Acknowledges existing reservations or uncertainties.

refuse to believe

Indicates a strong unwillingness to accept something.

am inclined to disbelieve

Formally expresses a leaning towards disbelief.

take it with a grain of salt

Suggests cautious acceptance and potential skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "have trouble believing" in a sentence?

You can use "have trouble believing" to express difficulty in accepting something as true. For example, "I "have trouble believing" that he would betray his friends".

What can I say instead of "have trouble believing"?

You can use alternatives like "find it hard to believe", "struggle to believe", or "can't quite believe" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "have trouble believing" or "having trouble believing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""have trouble believing"" is more common. "Having trouble believing" is more continuous and can be used to refer to an ongoing state of disbelief.

Is "have trouble believing" formal or informal?

"Have trouble believing" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "find it difficult to accept".