sheer faith

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer faith" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, unqualified belief or trust in something, often without evidence or reason. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she moved forward with sheer faith that everything would work out in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But then blood lineage, like so much here, defies sense and relies finally on sheer faith and tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our mistake is to assume it's a story about the weak beating the powerful with the help of pluck and guile and sheer blind faith.

The Guardian - Books

Frankly, the whole experience felt like a religious revival given the enthusiasm and sheer company faith I saw in the diverse employee pool.

Huffington Post

Roley Nancarrow is the 1926 high jump record holder for New South Wales, famed for flying over hurdles with his arms outstretched "as if at the apex of the leap, in the sheer balance and faith of it all, he was being welcomed into the Almighty's arms".

The Guardian - Books

I couldn't do it, so I'm now more impressed by the sheer durability, stamina and faith MPs display when they actually get something done.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's ironic that these liberals scoff at the sheer absurdity of Christian faith healing when some of them hold beliefs in supernatural cures that are even more "out there".

Huffington Post

The cathedral, the seventh in a series of churches dating some 2,000 years, endured the ravages of man and nature, but was repeatedly rebuilt through sheer determination and solid faith.

Huffington Post

Speakers noted with wonder the sprawl and scope of the congress, the energy and seriousness of those attending, and the sheer diversity of expressions of faith.

The New York Times

Her unshakable belief in their abilities, raw talent and sheer strength of will (and faith), propels the team to make dreams come true and the "impossible" possible.

Huffington Post

Better start thumbing your rosary with sheer, wanton gratitude, because if your faith school is anything like mine, you're in for some golden moments.

Vice

But you don't need to know much about Glennon to believe that she has the faith, good humor and sheer will power to get through anything.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer faith" to emphasize the unquestioning and absolute nature of someone's belief, especially when facing uncertainty or adversity. It is particularly effective when highlighting a character's inner strength or motivation.

Common error

While "sheer faith" can be a powerful motivator, relying solely on it without any supporting effort or planning can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential disappointment. Combine faith with diligence and preparation for optimal results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer faith" functions as a noun phrase where "sheer" intensifies the noun "faith". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It modifies the degree or extent of faith being described, emphasizing its strength and unadulterated quality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer faith" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a powerful and unyielding belief, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is categorized as an adjective phrase + noun, and commonly appears in News & Media contexts. While synonyms like "absolute conviction" or "unwavering belief" offer similar meanings, "sheer faith" uniquely emphasizes the intensity and purity of the belief. When using this phrase, be mindful to balance its inspirational connotation with practical considerations, avoiding over-reliance on belief without corresponding action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute conviction

Emphasizes the certainty and completeness of the belief.

unwavering belief

Highlights the steadfast and resolute nature of the belief.

blind trust

Suggests a faith that is unquestioning and without the need for evidence.

complete confidence

Focuses on the feeling of assurance and reliance.

implicit faith

Indicates a faith that is understood but not openly expressed.

unquestioning faith

Stresses the absence of doubt or scrutiny in the belief.

firm belief

Highlights the strong and solid nature of the belief.

profound belief

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the belief.

earnest faith

Suggests sincerity and depth of feeling in the belief.

pure trust

Highlights the absence of ulterior motives or doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer faith" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer faith" to describe someone's unwavering belief in something, like "Despite the odds, she pursued her dreams with "sheer faith"".

What's a good alternative to "sheer faith"?

Alternatives to "sheer faith" include "absolute conviction", "unwavering belief", or "blind trust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sheer faith" or "pure faith"?

Both "sheer faith" and "pure faith" imply a strong belief, but "sheer faith" emphasizes the intensity and unadulterated nature of the belief, while "pure faith" highlights its sincerity and lack of ulterior motives. The best choice depends on the context.

Can "sheer faith" be seen as a positive or negative trait?

The perception of "sheer faith" depends on the context. It can be positive when it inspires perseverance and hope, but negative if it leads to ignoring practical considerations or rational advice.