shake conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shake conviction" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing the act of causing someone to doubt their beliefs or confidence in something. Example: "The unexpected news served to shake my conviction in the project's success."

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing now can shake that conviction.

The Guardian

Nothing Republicans say or do can shake this conviction.

The New York Times

But at the same time he cannot shake the conviction that his fears have meaning.

The New York Times

But he can't shake the conviction that the vandalism was about hate and intimidation.

The New York Times

Or shake our conviction that the world should be a place where people live free of fear.

The New York Times

It took her decades to shake the conviction that she'd been the cause of her mother's death.

The New Yorker

Nothing can shake my conviction that a great poet would never, under any circumstances, publish lines such as "Down, you mongrel, Death! / Back into your kennel!

The New Yorker

But consider this another demonstration that nothing, absolutely nothing, will shake the conviction that austerity was and is the right policy.

The New York Times

The work ahead is demanding, but these difficulties will not shake our conviction that the future of Afghanistan and Iraq is a future of liberty...

The New York Times

There were a few threadbare years as he scrounged for work, but not enough to shake his conviction in his own lucky genes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My trip didn't shake my conviction that New York is the finest restaurant city in the nation, with an unrivaled range and depth of options.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shake conviction", consider the strength of the original belief. It's most effective when the belief is deeply held and not easily swayed. Using a more impactful verb like "shatter" might be more appropriate for weaker beliefs.

Common error

While "shake conviction" is acceptable, it can sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "undermine belief" or "challenge certainty" in formal writing. Opt for these stronger verbs to lend a more professional tone to your work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shake conviction" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun. It suggests an action (shake) that impacts a state of mind or belief (conviction). Based on the current data, the phrase is not commonly used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shake conviction" is grammatically acceptable but has limited usage based on available data. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is not commonly used in written English. It describes the act of causing doubt in a belief or opinion. While grammatically sound, it is important to consider stronger alternatives such as "undermine belief" or "challenge certainty" to ensure the right impact in your written work. The limited examples prevent a thorough analysis of register and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chip away at conviction

Implies a gradual and persistent weakening of belief.

undermine belief

Focuses on weakening the foundation of a belief rather than the conviction itself.

dent someone's belief

Focuses on making a minor and superficial impact on belief

challenge certainty

Highlights the act of questioning absolute assurance.

put someone's belief in question

Putting belief in question is raising doubts about it and to start wondering if it's true or right.

weaken resolve

Shifts the focus to diminishing determination or firmness of purpose.

erode faith

Emphasizes a gradual destruction of trust or confidence.

instill doubt

Focuses on introducing uncertainty where there was none before.

cast doubt on

Highlights the act of questioning the validity or reliability of something.

disrupt confidence

Emphasizes the disturbance or interruption of a state of assurance.

FAQs

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

You can use "shake conviction" to describe an event or situation that causes someone to doubt their deeply held beliefs. For example: "The evidence presented at the trial began to shake his conviction in the defendant's innocence."

What are some alternatives to "shake conviction"?

Some alternatives to "shake conviction" include "undermine belief", "challenge certainty", or "weaken resolve", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "shake conviction"?

Yes, "shake conviction" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard verb-noun structure. However, its usage might be less common compared to other similar phrases.

What is the difference between "shake conviction" and "undermine belief"?

"Shake conviction" implies a more direct and potentially forceful impact on someone's belief, whereas "undermine belief" suggests a more gradual and subtle weakening of that belief.