held belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held belief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a belief or opinion that is strongly held and has been accepted for a long time. For example: "The held belief that money can buy happiness has been largely discredited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is a genuinely held belief.

The Guardian - Business

"We don't define what a deeply held belief is".

The New York Times - Science

It is a commonly held belief that many children suffer psychological sequelae following burn injury.

Burns

Therefore, it was a widely held belief that laboratory rodents hardly utilize vision during day-time behavior.

Behavioural Brain Research

It is a widely held belief that detailed risk-adjustment is always necessary in comparative reports of surgical performance.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

This is in contrast to the conventionally held belief that the main factor is the onset of activation.

Biosystems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Kearse said she cannot support her family's long-held belief with records.

The Washington Post

This study confirms that widely-held belief.

The Washington Post

It is the counterfeit confirmation of a long-held belief.

The New York Times - Books

That long-held belief, however, was shown to be unfounded in a large international study.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But advisers note that this long-held belief is not a sophisticated approach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held belief", consider specifying who holds the belief (e.g. "a commonly held belief among scientists") to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "held belief" is appropriate, frequent use can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "conviction", "opinion", or "view" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase denotes a conviction or opinion that is strongly maintained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held belief" is a versatile and commonly used phrase denoting a strong conviction or opinion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts. Its frequency across various sources, including news, science, and academic publications, underscores its relevance in contemporary communication. To enhance writing, consider varying the phrase with synonyms like "conviction" or "view" and ensuring clarity about who holds the belief. Ludwig AI reaffirms the phrase's validity, making it a reliable choice for expressing deeply rooted opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly held view

Underscores the intensity with which the view is maintained.

firmly held conviction

Emphasizes the strength and depth of the belief.

deep-rooted conviction

Highlights the strong and profound nature of the conviction.

deep-seated opinion

Highlights the long-lasting nature and entrenchment of the opinion.

ingrained idea

Focuses on how deeply the idea is embedded in one's thinking.

widely accepted view

Focuses on the broad agreement and commonality of the belief.

commonly shared understanding

Stresses the communal and collective aspect of the belief.

prevailing wisdom

Implies a belief that is generally accepted and considered wise.

established principle

Suggests a belief that is foundational and well-recognized.

traditional conviction

Highlights the historical and customary roots of the belief.

FAQs

How do you use "held belief" in a sentence?

You can use "held belief" to describe a strong conviction or opinion that someone possesses. For example, "It is a widely "held belief" that exercise is beneficial for health."

What's the difference between "held belief" and "opinion"?

"Opinion" is a general term for a personal view, while "held belief" suggests a more deeply rooted and significant conviction. A "held belief" is an opinion that is strongly maintained and often considered fundamental.

What can I say instead of "commonly held belief"?

Alternatives to "commonly held belief" include "widely accepted view", "prevailing wisdom", or "general understanding". These phrases convey the idea that a belief is shared by many people.

Is it correct to say "deeply held belief" or "strongly held belief"?

Yes, both "deeply "held belief"" and "strongly "held belief"" are grammatically correct and emphasize the intensity with which the belief is held. They are often used to describe fundamental values or convictions.