i believe that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I believe that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that you deem to be true, such as, "I believe that everyone should have the right to a good education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(I believe that means bananas).

The New York Times - Magazine

I believe that very strongly.

The New Yorker

"I believe that person is Governor Romney".

The New York Times

I believe that independence is an illusion.

Independent

"I believe that would be a mistake".

The New York Times

I believe that is our duty.

Independent

I believe that is right.

Yale University

I believe that's true.

The Economist

"I believe that's appropriate".

The New Yorker

I believe that's an exact quote.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I believed that would say a lot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I believe that" in formal writing, consider whether a more assertive or evidence-based phrasing might be more persuasive. Overuse can weaken your argument.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "I believe that" can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Vary your sentence structure and use stronger verbs or evidence to support your claims when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I believe that" serves as a declarative expression, introducing a statement of personal belief or opinion. It functions to soften or qualify a statement, marking it as subjective rather than objective. Ludwig confirms that this expression is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I believe that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce personal beliefs or opinions, functioning as a declarative expression that softens statements and acknowledges subjectivity. According to Ludwig, its use is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While highly useful, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously to avoid weakening arguments or sounding hesitant. Varying sentence structure and providing evidence can strengthen your writing. By understanding the nuances of "I believe that", writers can effectively communicate their perspectives while maintaining clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I think that

This is a more casual and common way to express an opinion.

In my opinion

This phrase explicitly marks the statement as a personal opinion.

It is my belief that

This is a more formal and emphatic way of stating a belief.

I consider that

This suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate assessment.

I feel that

This emphasizes a personal feeling or intuition rather than a reasoned judgment.

I am convinced that

Expresses a strong and firm belief.

I assume that

This indicates a belief based on limited evidence or a presumption.

I am of the opinion that

This is a formal way to introduce a personal viewpoint.

I reckon that

This is an informal way to express an opinion or belief, common in some dialects.

I surmise that

This implies forming a belief based on incomplete information or guesswork.

FAQs

How can I use "I believe that" effectively in a sentence?

Use "I believe that" to introduce a personal opinion or viewpoint. For example, "I believe that education is essential for personal growth."

What are some alternatives to "I believe that"?

You can use alternatives like "I think that", "in my opinion", or "I consider that depending on the context and level of formality you desire.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "I believe"?

While "that" is often included, it's grammatically correct to omit it in many cases, especially in informal writing. For example, both "I believe that the project will succeed" and "I believe the project will succeed" are acceptable.

When should I avoid using "I believe that"?

Avoid using "I believe that" when stating widely accepted facts or when presenting information that should be supported by evidence. In these cases, a more direct statement is often more effective.