start to believe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to believe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the beginning of a process of belief or acceptance regarding something. Example: "After hearing the evidence presented, I started to believe that the theory might actually be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When will we start to believe him?

The New York Times

You really start to believe it.

The Guardian

Call someone a nincompoop often enough and long enough and they start to believe it.

The New York Times

"If you start to believe in your own hype, that can be disastrous.

The New York Times

"If you say something often enough, some people will start to believe it".

The New York Times

"You can start to believe that your life is defined by your foreignness," she says.

The Economist

"You start to believe there is grass in the outfield and the ball will fall.

The New York Times - Sports

If you spend over half your life telling yourself something, you'll start to believe it.

Independent

And if your mother tells you this often enough, you start to believe it.

The New York Times

"When you're in that situation, you start to believe the naysayers," she said.

The New York Times

That could be the edge that recruiters start to believe in".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use it when discussing a change in someone's perspective that stems from repeated exposure or experience.

Common error

While "start to believe" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "become convinced" or "conclude" might be more appropriate for maintaining a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to believe" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a belief or conviction. It describes the initial stage of accepting something as true, often after a period of doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start to believe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the beginning of accepting something as true. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and illustrates its wide application across different contexts. While versatile, it is important to choose more formal synonyms like ""become convinced"" or ""come to accept"" in professional writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, reflecting its utility in describing evolving perspectives and convictions. Avoid overuse in overly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become convinced

Emphasizes the process of being persuaded or assured of something.

begin to think

Focuses on the initial stage of forming an opinion or thought.

start to realize

Focuses on the dawning of understanding or awareness.

come to accept

Emphasizes the eventual acceptance of something, possibly after initial resistance.

develop a belief

Highlights the formation of a belief, suggesting a conscious effort or gradual process.

grow to trust

Highlights the development of trust over time, implying a gradual increase in confidence.

embrace the idea

Highlights the active acceptance and adoption of a concept or belief.

begin to suspect

Suggests the emergence of doubt or suspicion regarding something.

take it on faith

Implies accepting something without concrete evidence or proof.

see the light

Suggests a sudden realization or conversion to a particular belief.

FAQs

How can I use "start to believe" in a sentence?

You can use "start to believe" to describe the initial phase of accepting something as true. For instance, "After seeing the evidence, I "start to believe" that the hypothesis is correct."

What's a good alternative to "start to believe" in formal writing?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "become convinced", "begin to suspect", or "come to accept" to maintain a professional tone.

Is there a difference between "start to believe" and "believe"?

"Start to believe" indicates the beginning of a process of accepting something as true, whereas "believe" implies a state of already holding that conviction. "I "start to believe" it" suggests a change in perspective, while "I believe it" indicates a current state of conviction.

When is it appropriate to use "start to believe" instead of "think"?

Use "start to believe" when you're referring to a gradual shift in your convictions or acceptance of something, usually based on evidence or experience. Use "think" when you're expressing a general opinion or consideration without necessarily implying a developing belief.