it believes only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it believes only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a limitation or exclusivity in someone's or something's beliefs or convictions. Example: "In this matter, it believes only what it has been programmed to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And its choice of replacement suggests that it believes only a big-hitter can overcome them.

The Economist

It believes only biofuels, and carbon capture and storage make sense, alongside oil and gas.

The Guardian

The DWP says it believes only a "small number" of tenants are affected, which it estimates number 5,000.

The Guardian

The Japanese Ministry of Environment estimates around five million tonnes of rubbish left the coast of Japan in the aftermath of the tsunami, but says it believes only 30% floated out into the wider Pacific.

Independent

It reveals that a large majority of Scottish councils now ban parties from erecting candidate placards and party posters on lamp-posts and street signs – it believes only 11 out of 32 allow it.

The Guardian

The Financial Services Authority told the BBC that it believes only some 2,000 such hedging transactions have been sold each year in the UK, and complaints have been low.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The industry is now accepting extreme measures, he believes, only because it fears sanctions.

The Economist

At the time it was believed only humans and great apes could pass this test.

The Economist

As a result, it was believed, only mammals could experience a distinctive mosaic of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM when sleeping.

The Economist

It is believed only one Heuschrecke 10 survived the war.

Wikipedia

Today, it is believed only 12 copies of the collection still exist.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it believes only", ensure that the subject's perspective and the exclusive nature of the belief are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Regarding this specific strategy, it believes only in data-driven approaches" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it believes only" when the intent is to express a preference or possibility rather than a strict limitation. For example, instead of saying "it believes only this solution will work", consider "it believes this solution is the most promising" if other solutions are still being considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it believes only" functions as a qualifier within a sentence. It specifies that the subject's belief is restricted or limited to a particular idea, action, or outcome. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, demonstrating that the phrase is used to express exclusivity in belief.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it believes only" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the exclusivity or limitation of a belief. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While not extremely frequent, it is recognized and understood, making it an effective way to express a specific conviction. Remember to use this phrase when highlighting that the subject does not entertain other possibilities or opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it exclusively believes

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the belief.

it solely believes

Highlights that the belief is held by no other entity.

it is convinced only

Focuses on the state of being convinced, with a limitation.

it is persuaded only

Similar to "convinced", but suggests external influence.

it trusts only

Shifts the focus to trust as the limited factor.

it accepts only

Implies a limitation in what is accepted.

it maintains only

Focuses on maintaining a particular belief without deviation.

it acknowledges only

Highlights a limited acknowledgment or recognition.

its belief is limited to

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the limitation directly.

its conviction extends only to

Highlights conviction and its boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "it believes only" in a sentence?

Use "it believes only" to emphasize a restricted or exclusive conviction. For instance, "The company believes only a complete overhaul can save it" highlights a firm, singular belief.

What phrases can I use instead of "it believes only"?

You can use alternatives like "it exclusively believes", "it solely believes", or "it is convinced only" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it believes only"?

Yes, "it believes only" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is used to express a specific conviction or limitation in belief.

What's the difference between "it believes only" and "it only believes"?

"It believes only" emphasizes the exclusivity of what is believed. "It only believes" can sometimes imply a limitation on the act of believing itself (e.g., it doesn't act or do, it only believes), although this is less common.