is believed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is believed to" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to give a description that is either true or assumed to be true based on common knowledge or accepted wisdom. Example: It is believed to be the most efficient way of doing this task.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now there is believed to be plenty.

The Economist

He is believed to have died immediately.

Independent

The motive is believed to be robbery.

The New York Times

This is believed to be suspended electrostatically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is believed to be in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Mr. Awlaki is believed to have survived.

The New York Times

Curtis is believed to have sent letters….

The New Yorker

He is believed to have killed himself.

The New York Times

Paan is believed to aid digestion.

The New York Times

He is believed to be well.

The New York Times

Clement is believed to have survived.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is believed to" when presenting information widely accepted but not definitively proven. This is especially useful in scientific or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive construction "is believed to", which can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider rephrasing to attribute the belief to a specific source for stronger impact. For example, instead of "It is believed to be effective", write "Experts believe it is effective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is believed to" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating that the information presented is based on common knowledge, assumptions, or estimations rather than concrete proof. As supported by Ludwig, it provides a means to express beliefs without asserting them as absolute facts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is believed to" serves as a versatile tool for conveying information that is generally accepted but not definitively proven. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it maintains a neutral register, overusing the passive voice can weaken writing, suggesting careful consideration of active alternatives for stronger impact. The semantic alternatives, such as "is thought to" or "is considered to", offer subtle variations in meaning. Ultimately, "is believed to" is most effective when presenting hypotheses, opinions, or estimations without absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is thought to

Emphasizes a more general and less formal level of acceptance or supposition.

is considered to

Highlights a more formal or official assessment or judgment.

is regarded as

Suggests a viewpoint based on respect or esteem.

is deemed to

Implies a more authoritative or official pronouncement.

is presumed to

Indicates an assumption made in the absence of concrete proof.

is understood to

Highlights a common understanding or implicit knowledge.

is rumored to

Conveys information based on unconfirmed or speculative reports.

is alleged to

Indicates an assertion that is yet to be proven true.

is purported to

Suggests a claim that may be questionable or unsubstantiated.

is speculated to

Highlights a hypothesis or conjecture based on limited information.

FAQs

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

Use "is believed to" when presenting information that is generally accepted but lacks definitive proof. For example, "The missing artifact "is believed to be" hidden in the catacombs".

What are some alternatives to "is believed to"?

Alternatives include "is thought to", "is considered to", or "is regarded as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is believed to" instead of "is known to"?

"Is believed to" is appropriate when there's an assumption or widespread acceptance without conclusive evidence. "Is known to" is used when the information is supported by factual evidence or data.

Is "is believed to" formal or informal?

The phrase "is believed to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, using stronger verbs and active voice constructions might improve clarity and impact in some contexts.