i believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a past conviction or opinion about something. Example: "I believed that the project would be completed on time, but unforeseen circumstances delayed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I believed it too.

Independent

But I believed it".

The New York Times - Arts

I believed the umpire".

The New York Times - Sports

I believed it all.

The New Yorker

I believed them.

The Guardian - Film

I believed in him.

The New York Times

"I believed in it.

The New York Times

But I believed her.

The New Yorker

I believed her.

The New York Times

I believed such things".

The New York Times - Magazine

I believed him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I believed", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom you believed, and why. Provide supporting details to enhance the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I believed" without clarifying what you believed or the basis for your belief. Providing context and reasoning strengthens your statement and makes it more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I believed" primarily functions as a statement of past conviction or acceptance. It asserts that, at a specific point in time, the speaker held something to be true or trustworthy. Ludwig shows many instances where this phrase prefaces an explanation of the reasons behind this belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I believed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a past conviction or acceptance. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, providing context and reasoning after stating "I believed" enhances clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "I was convinced" or "I trusted" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was convinced

Emphasizes a strong feeling of certainty or assurance in the past.

I had faith in

Highlights trust and confidence in someone or something.

I took it as truth

Focuses on accepting something as factual or genuine.

I accepted it

Implies agreement or compliance with a statement or idea.

I trusted in

Similar to having faith, but can also imply relying on someone or something.

I assumed

Indicates an acceptance based on limited evidence or guesswork.

I was under the impression

Suggests a belief based on indirect or incomplete information.

I had the understanding

Highlights an agreement or recognition of the conditions of something.

I bought it

Informal way of saying one was deceived or convinced by something.

I gave credence to

Formal way to express giving importance or believability to something.

FAQs

How can I use "I believed" in a sentence?

You can use "I believed" to express a past conviction or opinion. For example, "I believed the weather would be sunny today" or "I believed in his honesty".

What can I say instead of "I believed"?

You can use alternatives like "I was convinced", "I trusted", or "I accepted" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what "I believed"?

While not always grammatically required, providing context about what you believed makes your statement clearer and more impactful. Omitting it can sometimes lead to ambiguity.

What's the difference between "I believed" and "I thought"?

"I believed" suggests a stronger conviction than "I thought". While "I thought" can imply a casual opinion, "I believed" indicates a firmer acceptance of something as true or likely.