sheer belief

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a strong, unwavering sense of belief or faith in something. For example, "He had a sheer belief that his team would win the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But Mr. Bacon's sheer belief that they do takes you farther than anyone could reasonably hope.

The New York Times

So in a way, several times in my life I just jumped with the sheer belief that I would land.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama was seeing the same thing in public housing projects where poor residents sustained themselves through sheer belief.

The New York Times

Our security is assured by our perseverance and by our sheer belief in the success of liberty.

The New York Times

Even though both matches went five sets, Djokovic was much closer to losing, writes Howard Bryant on ESPN.com, but persevered with sheer belief on the critical points.

The New York Times - Sports

Their ball retention, their swift and accurate ground passing, their work ethic, and their sheer belief ran Sweden, one of the originators of women's professional soccer, ragged.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Perrin has a final reason for the move to arenas: today's super successful brand of comics have the sheer self-belief to firstly believe they can sell enough tickets and then perform in front of such a throng: "I've stood on the edge of the stage as they go on and the scale is frightening.

The Guardian

It is that revulsion against sheer commercialism, a belief in values beyond the material, that drove Odets's best work, and may make his plays particularly timely.

The Guardian

Or, just as likely, he's a 67-year-old Atlas holding up a failing island with a big yellow digger and the sheer strength of belief.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many listeners have dismissed Shostakovich's orchestral portrait of Leningrad under siege as a work of propagandistic kitsch; Bernstein, through sheer force of belief, makes it sound like a masterpiece.

The New Yorker

Every time a writer or politician or policeman begins a sentence by saying "Muslims must... .., there is little recognition of the sheer variety of belief within Islam, or of the cultural diversity among Muslims, or of the everyday pragmatic reality of what it means in a secular age to believe in God and to try to live by that belief.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer belief" to emphasize a powerful and unwavering conviction, often in situations where evidence may be lacking or uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer belief" excessively in formal academic or scientific writing. Opt for more objective and evidence-based language to maintain credibility and rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer belief" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It emphasizes the intensity and purity of the belief. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes a strong, unwavering sense of belief or faith.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer belief" is a noun phrase denoting a strong and unwavering conviction, often used when empirical evidence is limited. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for emphasizing the intensity of belief. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Sports contexts, and its register is generally neutral. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to use it judiciously in more formal, evidence-based writing. Alternatives such as "unwavering conviction" or "absolute certainty" can offer similar emphasis with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwavering conviction

Emphasizes the firmness and steadiness of the belief.

absolute certainty

Highlights the complete lack of doubt associated with the belief.

unshakeable faith

Focuses on the strength and resilience of the faith.

firm persuasion

Stresses the strength of being convinced of something.

complete assurance

Highlights the total confidence in the belief.

profound conviction

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the belief.

deep-seated faith

Focuses on how deeply ingrained the faith is.

staunch confidence

Highlights the steadfastness and loyalty to the belief.

resolute conviction

Emphasizes the determined and unwavering nature of the belief.

unquestioning trust

Focuses on the complete and unconditional trust in something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sheer belief" in a sentence?

Use "sheer belief" to emphasize a strong, unwavering conviction, especially when rational arguments or tangible evidence are scarce. For example, "Despite the odds, their success was driven by "sheer belief" in their abilities."

What are some alternatives to "sheer belief"?

You can use alternatives like "unwavering conviction", "absolute certainty", or "unshakeable faith" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "sheer belief" and "blind faith"?

"Sheer belief" generally implies a strong, perhaps unsupported, conviction. "Blind faith", on the other hand, suggests accepting something without any questioning or understanding. The former is less pejorative than the latter.

When is it appropriate to use "sheer belief" in writing?

It's suitable when describing situations where someone's conviction is the primary driver, even in the face of challenges or lack of concrete proof. Consider using it when you want to highlight the power of conviction. It's less appropriate for formal academic or scientific contexts requiring objective evidence.