sincere conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

"sincere conviction" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an opinion or belief that a person holds very strongly. For example, "He held a sincere conviction that voting is an important civic duty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The performances blend sincere conviction and knowing parody.

The New York Times

Some of the Bible-tossing in this case was inspired by sincere conviction.

The New Yorker

Measuring things with cold objectivity, as if that can ever matter as much as a sincere conviction of the heart.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hallmarks of Ms. Paulus's production were its pulsating energy and its sincere conviction, and both are on continuous, sense-heightening display at the St. James.

The New York Times

"Opposing the Ashcroft Nomination" (editorial, Jan . 23 says John Ashcroft, President Bush's choice for attorney general, is a "man of sincere conviction and personal rectitude".

The New York Times

As in our first commentary on Mr. Ashcroft's nomination, we stipulate that we are convinced he is a man of sincere conviction and personal rectitude.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Donors possess two disconnected commodities: material wealth and sincere convictions.

The New York Times

It is inevitable that government will adopt and pursue programs and policies within its constitutional powers but which nevertheless are contrary to the profound beliefs and sincere convictions of some of its citizens.

Cornell University

He was impatient with details, making decisions quickly and preferring action over argument; his natural disposition was probably reinforced by his education, which included training in Zen Buddhism and the Neo-Confucianism of the Chinese philosopher Wang Yang-ming, who espoused sincere convictions and forthright action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like virtually everything written in the Journal, this essay expressed seemingly sincere convictions in a faintly ironic tone, which was disorienting: we didn't really know who these people were, or how serious they were, even though the political movement they sought to explicate was anything but marginal.

The New Yorker

Scholars have long questioned whether these statements represent Pomponazzi's sincere convictions, or if they should instead be seen as an opportunistic shift towards religious conformism (see the discussion in Perrone Compagni 1999, lxxxv xcvi).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions stemming from a "sincere conviction", specify the evidence or reasoning behind it to add credibility.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "sincere conviction" without providing specific examples or context. Overuse can dilute its impact and make the writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language and provide concrete details to illustrate the depth of the belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sincere conviction" functions as a noun phrase, with "sincere" modifying the noun "conviction". It typically describes a belief or opinion held with deep honesty and authenticity. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides several examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sincere conviction" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates a deeply held and genuine belief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, with notable presence also in academic and encyclopedic content. To enhance your writing, ensure that the use of "sincere conviction" is supported by specific examples or reasoning. While the phrase is useful for emphasizing the authenticity of a belief, avoid overusing it to prevent redundancy. Consider related phrases like "genuine belief" or "earnest persuasion" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine belief

Focuses on the authenticity of the belief.

earnest persuasion

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the belief.

deeply held belief

Highlights the profound nature of the belief.

strong faith

Highlights an unwavering belief, often within a religious context.

profound certainty

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the belief.

honest opinion

Highlights the straightforward and truthful nature of the opinion.

unfeigned assurance

Emphasizes the lack of pretense in the assurance.

heartfelt assurance

Highlights the depth of emotion and sincerity behind the conviction.

firm persuasion

Focuses on how determined and firm is the feeling of security or certainty.

real faith

Highlights the authenticity of the faith.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sincere conviction" in a sentence?

To use "sincere conviction" effectively, provide context that demonstrates the depth and authenticity of the belief. For example, "Driven by "sincere conviction", she dedicated her life to environmental activism."

What are some alternatives to "sincere conviction"?

Alternatives include "genuine belief", "earnest persuasion", or "deeply held belief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "sincere conviction" and "strong opinion"?

"Sincere conviction" suggests a deeply rooted and genuine belief, often based on moral or ethical principles. "Strong opinion" implies a firmly held view, but it may not necessarily have the same depth or moral underpinning as a "sincere conviction".

Can "sincere conviction" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "sincere conviction" can be used to describe beliefs that are harmful or misguided, even if genuinely held. For example, "Despite his "sincere conviction", his actions caused significant harm."