private conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "private conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a personal belief or opinion that someone holds, often kept to themselves. Example: "Despite the public outcry, she remained steadfast in her private conviction that the decision was the right one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He approved the Louisiana Purchase despite his private conviction that it was unconstitutional.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We like to think of this child going down the street wrapped up in his private conviction that the world is hilarious.

The New Yorker

In fact, the private conviction of fans supporting doomed teams holds that there is something dissipating about success, and something less stimulating.

The New York Times - Magazine

She holds a private conviction that "she would renounce the world and its ten thousand excruciations" to "retreat into solitude and live her life as an ascetic," even as she doubts her "own freedom to make such decisions".

The New York Times - Books

About fashion, we read: "Clive never wore neckties under the private conviction that all of the political and financial mischief in the nation was created by men who wore neckties".

The New York Times - Books

This private conviction is verified, in their eyes, by a public fact -- that American history, separateness and virtue have always been associated with the gun, if (in fact) they did not take their very essence from it.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

(Whatever her private convictions may be, Maynard's video statements have been resolutely secular).

The New Yorker

And while she never doubted that Michele was being true to her private convictions, she couldn't comprehend Michele's need to make those convictions so public, to put them in the foreground of her political career, and to drive a wedge into their family.

The New York Times

But then, in the first months of this year, I started to feel that these issues — private convictions and the way public dialogue does or does not grow out of them — were reverberating not just through my writing life, not just through the world of Prince fans, but through the entire nation.

The New Yorker

Whatever the private convictions of its stars, country music was very white, and red states were places where crosses were not only brandished but burned well into the '60s.

Huffington Post

The result is that assisted dying presently goes on in various medical contexts in Canada, but it is governed not by transparent, reliable norms but by the private convictions of individuals.

Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "private conviction" to emphasize a deeply held, personal belief that may not be publicly expressed or widely known. Ensure the context clarifies why the conviction is private and its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "private conviction" when describing widely held beliefs or public sentiments. "Private conviction" should refer to an individual's personal belief, not a collective viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private conviction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a personal and often unspoken belief or opinion. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in contexts where individual beliefs contrast with public or external factors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "private conviction" refers to a deeply personal belief that is often kept hidden or not publicly expressed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When writing, use "private conviction" to emphasize individual belief, especially when contrasting it with external pressures or public opinion. Be mindful not to confuse it with widely held public opinions. Alternatives include "personal belief" or "internal conviction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal belief

Focuses on the individual nature of the belief.

internal conviction

Highlights the internal, deeply held nature of the conviction.

secret belief

Emphasizes the hidden aspect of the belief.

private opinion

Replaces conviction with a less intense word.

personal view

A more general term for a private stance.

innermost thought

Highlights the depth and intimacy of the thought.

deep-seated belief

Emphasizes the strength and entrenchment of the belief.

unspoken conviction

Highlights the fact that the conviction is not expressed.

hidden opinion

Focuses on the concealed nature of the opinion.

personal persuasion

Highlights the act of being convinced oneself.

FAQs

What does "private conviction" mean?

A "private conviction" refers to a deeply held personal belief or opinion that someone holds, often kept to themselves and not openly expressed or shared with others.

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

You can use "private conviction" in a sentence to describe someone's personal belief, such as: "Despite the evidence, she held a "private conviction" that he was innocent."

What are some alternatives to "private conviction"?

Some alternatives to "private conviction" include "personal belief", "internal conviction", or "secret belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to ask someone about their "private conviction"?

It depends on the relationship and context. Asking about someone's "private conviction" might be intrusive if you're not close to them, as it implies delving into their personal beliefs.