shape beliefs

USAGE SUMMARY

"shape beliefs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about how a particular idea, experience, or person influences how a person views something. For example, you could say, "Growing up with a single parent helped shape my beliefs about the importance of family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But like every other flavour of porn that hyper-sexualises women, distorted portrayals of Asian women could shape beliefs about what Asian women are really like.

Vice

These dismissive remarks ignore the power of perception to shape beliefs and ideologies with which I, as a psychologist, am familiar.

Huffington Post

"In the Interests of Others" identifies the organizational and institutional conditions that shape beliefs and actions to promote an expanded "community of fate," that is identification with distant others you may never meet but with whom you come to realize your fate is intertwined and on whose behalf you are willing to take costly actions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

(We will return to the role of pharmaceutical companies in shaping beliefs about drugs in a later chapter).

The New York Times - Books

American values have been grounded in its colonialism and continue to be influential in shaping beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and policies within the United States.

Journal of Professional Nursing

In BD, previous research suggests that family socialization plays a role in shaping beliefs towards goal attainment and achievement that conveys a vulnerability to developing the cognitions that are characteristic of (hypo mania (Chen and Johnson 2012).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

It shapes beliefs and behavior.

Huffington Post

Such discrimination shapes beliefs and influences actions, both personally and professionally.

Huffington Post

"There is very strong convergence on the dominant role of ideology or political party in shaping beliefs about climate change and science," Lawrence Hamilton, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire and co-author of the 2013 polling study, told VICE News.

Vice

Beliefs about diabetes are known to play an important role in self-management, yet little is known about the sociocultural context in shaping beliefs.

BMC Family Practice

Knowledge by itself is not enough to change behavior, but does play an important role in shaping beliefs and attitude regarding a particular behavior [ 14].

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shape beliefs", consider what specific mechanisms or influences are involved in the formation of those beliefs to provide more context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "shape beliefs" in contexts where a more specific verb, such as "influence", "form", or "reinforce", would provide a more accurate description of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape beliefs" functions as a verb phrase where "shape" is the verb and "beliefs" is the direct object. According to Ludwig, it describes the process of influencing or forming someone's convictions or perceptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shape beliefs" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes how influences mold one's convictions. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. While "shape beliefs" is useful, consider alternative phrases such as "influence beliefs" or "form beliefs" to add nuance to your writing. Keep in mind to avoid overgeneralization in your sentences. Overall, Ludwig considers this phrase correct and provides several examples of it in use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence beliefs

This alternative emphasizes the act of affecting or changing beliefs, rather than the complete formation.

form beliefs

This phrase focuses on the creation or development of beliefs.

mold beliefs

This implies a more active and deliberate process of shaping beliefs, similar to working with clay.

cultivate beliefs

This suggests a gradual and nurturing process of developing beliefs over time.

instill beliefs

This emphasizes the act of implanting beliefs firmly into someone's mind.

foster beliefs

This suggests creating an environment that encourages the growth and development of specific beliefs.

determine beliefs

This implies that certain factors dictate or define the beliefs one holds.

govern beliefs

This suggests that certain principles or ideas have control over someone's beliefs.

condition beliefs

This alternative focuses on the process of learning or training that leads to certain beliefs.

affect convictions

This term is stronger than "beliefs", referring to firmly held opinions; it also means "influence" which can be less than "shape".

FAQs

How can experiences "shape beliefs"?

Experiences can significantly "shape beliefs" by providing direct evidence or emotional impact that reinforces certain viewpoints. For example, a positive experience with a particular culture might "shape views" on diversity, fostering more inclusive beliefs.

What factors commonly "shape beliefs"?

Many factors can "shape beliefs", including upbringing, education, personal experiences, and exposure to media. Each of these contributes to how individuals perceive and interpret the world, thereby "influencing beliefs".

Is "shape beliefs" interchangeable with "form beliefs"?

While both phrases are similar, "shape beliefs" suggests a process where existing beliefs are molded or modified, whereas "form beliefs" implies the creation of new beliefs from scratch. Depending on the context, either phrase may be more appropriate; however, both are useful in "shaping beliefs", which Ludwig AI considers correct.

How do cultural norms "shape beliefs"?

Cultural norms often "shape beliefs" by providing a framework for understanding the world. These norms, transmitted through family, community, and institutions, influence what individuals consider acceptable, desirable, or true, which in turn "affect convictions".