please believe that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please believe that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually a phrase used when you want the recipient to give credibility or accept what you are saying as true. For example: "Please believe that I did not mean to hurt your feelings - I was only trying to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Please believe that there will be a brighter day for you".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Please believe that as our country's situation gets better and develops more, our value as workers will increase, and people's perspectives on us will also change for the better".

The New York Times

Over pungent keyboard stabs on "It's Not a Game," Scarface sounds relaxed, imagining for himself a long-awaited meeting with the other side: Please believe that when it's time to show I'll be ready with my arms crossed, dying to go And I won't shed tears, I'm respected here And you won't hear things you'd expect to hear I rejected fear And I don't want to be another second here.

The New York Times

"Please believe that when we Dreamers say that we want to give back to our community, we mean it," Tovar testified.

Huffington Post

I will not be able to satisfy... Please believe that I will keep your request in my personal file... Sincerely, Wellington T Mara".

Huffington Post

When I tell you that an item is out of stock, please believe that I'm not running into the back room when you leave and rolling around naked on a pile of that very item that you asked me for.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We are of course sorry to the English who got hurt, but please believe us that not all Russian people are like these hooligans," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Dassin told me recently on the phone from his home in Athens, "Please believe me that I saw 'The Asphalt Jungle' after I made 'Rififi,' because a number of people compared these two films".

The New York Times

"For non-believers, please believe in God.

The Guardian

Please believe me when I say that a change of handbag is not a suggestion I would make lightly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please believe me when I say that I have not always subscribed to this zealotry, even after my initial exposure to Riverdog eggs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please believe that", ensure your statement is clear and concise to avoid ambiguity. Adding specific details or evidence can enhance credibility.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "please believe that" can make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your language by using synonyms like "trust", "accept", or providing compelling evidence instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please believe that" functions as an imperative expression used to urge the listener or reader to accept the truthfulness of a statement. It combines a polite request ("please") with a direct appeal to believe the information being presented. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for urging credibility to the receiver.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please believe that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase intended to persuade or reassure an audience of the truth. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's best employed when direct evidence is lacking or when seeking to reinforce a statement's sincerity. However, be mindful of overuse, which may undermine its effectiveness. Consider alternatives like "please accept that" or "rest assured that" for variety. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts, though presenting factual support is often more compelling in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please accept that

Replaces "believe" with "accept", emphasizing the reception of information rather than the internal conviction.

please trust that

Substitutes "believe" with "trust", highlighting reliance on the speaker's honesty or reliability.

please be assured that

Adds a layer of reassurance, suggesting that the listener can feel secure in accepting the statement.

rest assured that

Similar to "be assured that", but with a stronger emphasis on alleviating doubt or worry.

i assure you that

Shifts the emphasis to the speaker's guarantee of the truth, rather than a request for belief.

you must believe that

Changes from a polite request to a stronger assertion of necessity.

it's important to believe that

Highlights the significance of holding the stated belief.

i want you to believe that

Focuses on the speaker's desire for the listener's belief.

take it from me

An informal way of urging someone to believe something based on the speaker's personal experience or knowledge.

mark my words

A forceful way of demanding attention and belief in a future outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "please believe that" when you need to assure someone of the truthfulness of a statement, especially when it might be questioned. For example, "Please believe that I had no intention of causing harm".

What are some alternatives to saying "please believe that"?

You can use alternatives such as "please accept that", "please trust that", or "rest assured that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it too formal to use "please believe that" in casual conversation?

While "please believe that" isn't overly formal, it can sound slightly stiff in very casual settings. In those situations, consider using a more relaxed phrase like "take it from me".

When should I avoid using "please believe that"?

Avoid using "please believe that" when you have strong evidence to support your statement. Presenting facts is more persuasive than simply asking for belief. Overuse of the phrase might also suggest a lack of confidence in your own words.