personal conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an individual's sincerely held belief or opinion about something. For example, "Although his friends disagreed with him, he held fast to his personal conviction that the most important thing is to always do what's right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spiritual care is usually given in a one-to-one relationship, is completely person centred and makes no assumptions about personal conviction or life orientation.

BMC Nursing

"That's totally a personal conviction.

The New York Times

And it's very personal, conviction.

Harvard Business Review

One answer is personal conviction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Personal conviction is important as well.

The Washington Post

So this was his personal conviction.

The Guardian

This all had to do with his personal conviction".

The New York Times

He's well educated, with military experience and a deep sense of personal conviction.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a lack of personal conviction that is my problem".

The New York Times - Books

People should not be rewarded for thwarting the justice system out of personal conviction.

The New Yorker

This is my strong personal conviction, and it's a priority for the organization I lead.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "personal conviction", ensure the context clearly indicates whose conviction you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "personal conviction" as the sole justification for actions that have broader ethical or legal implications. Always consider external factors and consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal conviction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a strong belief or opinion held by an individual. Ludwig AI confirms the proper usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal conviction" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a deeply held belief or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showing it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its impact depends on the context. Remember to use it judiciously, balancing individual beliefs with ethical and legal considerations. Related phrases such as "deep-seated belief" or "firmly held opinion" can offer nuanced alternatives, and considering whose conviction you are referencing will enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep-seated belief

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the belief.

sincerely felt belief

Focuses on the genuineness and emotional connection to the belief.

firmly held opinion

Highlights the strength and resoluteness of the opinion.

inner persuasion

Indicates a belief that comes from within oneself.

strong sense of principle

Indicates a strong commitment to one's beliefs.

moral principle

Highlights a conviction based on ethical considerations.

matter of conscience

Focuses on beliefs guided by one's moral compass.

unwavering faith

Emphasizes a steadfast and resolute belief.

personal ethos

Describes a set of guiding beliefs or principles.

core value

Highlights a fundamental belief that shapes one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "personal conviction" in a sentence?

You can use "personal conviction" to describe someone's strong belief or opinion, as in "She acted according to her personal conviction, despite the criticism."

What's a more formal way to say "personal conviction"?

A more formal alternative could be "deep-seated belief" or "firmly held opinion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See "deep-seated belief" and "firmly held opinion".

Is "personal conviction" the same as "personal opinion"?

While both relate to individual beliefs, "personal conviction" suggests a stronger, more deeply rooted belief than a simple "personal opinion". A "personal opinion" might be fleeting, but a "personal conviction" is typically enduring.

Can "personal conviction" justify any action?

While "personal conviction" can be a powerful motivator, it doesn't automatically justify all actions. Ethical and legal considerations often need to be balanced against one's personal beliefs.