strong convictions

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong convictions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to deeply held beliefs or principles that a person holds strongly and firmly. Example: Despite facing criticism from others, she stood by her strong convictions and refused to compromise her values.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strong convictions.

The New Yorker

I've got strong convictions.

The Guardian

Those are my strong convictions.

The New York Times

Every witness, pro or con, had strong convictions.

The New Yorker

Marilyn was a woman with strong convictions and exceptional intellect.

The New York Times

Genial as Mr. Brubeck could seem, he had strong convictions.

The New York Times - Arts

A woman of ethical values and strong convictions.

The New York Times

"I'm a man of conviction, I have strong convictions.

The Guardian

"We walk around with such strong convictions about who we are," she said.

The New Yorker

He had strong convictions in what he believed in, and I respect him for it".

The New York Times - Sports

The effect of such affirmations seems especially pronounced in people who boast strong convictions.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "strong convictions" with actions or behaviors to illustrate how these beliefs manifest in real-world situations.

Common error

While "strong convictions" highlights commitment, using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive or preachy. Vary your language by using related phrases like "deep-seated beliefs" or "firm principles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong convictions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig provides examples where it describes a personal quality or a motivating factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong convictions" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe deeply held beliefs that influence a person's behavior and decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, as demonstrated by the various examples found in news media, scientific publications, and business communications. When writing, remember to use it judiciously and consider synonyms like "deeply held principles" to add variety to your language. It is important to distinguish between having "strong convictions" and being stubborn, as the former implies a reasoned commitment while the latter suggests inflexibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply held principles

Combines the depth and importance of the principles.

unshakable beliefs

Emphasizes the invulnerability and firmness of the beliefs.

unwavering beliefs

Highlights the steadfast and unchanging quality of the beliefs.

firm principles

Focuses on the unwavering nature of the principles held.

staunch beliefs

Indicates a strong and firm adherence to beliefs.

deep-seated beliefs

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the beliefs.

resolute beliefs

Focuses on the determined and unwavering nature of the beliefs.

intense beliefs

Highlights the depth and passion associated with the beliefs.

personal convictions

Highlights the personal nature and importance of the convictions to the individual.

moral convictions

Specifically refers to convictions based on a sense of morality.

FAQs

How can I use "strong convictions" in a sentence?

You can use "strong convictions" to describe someone's deeply held beliefs. For example: "She held "strong convictions" about environmental protection and dedicated her life to the cause."

What's a more formal way to say "strong convictions"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "deeply held principles" or "unwavering beliefs", which convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to say "strong beliefs" or "strong convictions"?

While both are acceptable, "strong convictions" often implies a deeper, more reasoned commitment compared to "strong beliefs", which can sometimes suggest a more general feeling. Use "strong convictions" when you want to emphasize a well-thought-out and defended position.

What's the difference between "strong convictions" and "stubbornness"?

"Strong convictions" suggest a principled adherence to beliefs, while "stubbornness" implies an inflexible refusal to change one's mind, often without good reason. The key difference lies in the reasoning and openness to new information. Someone with "strong convictions" is ideally willing to consider other perspectives, while a stubborn person is not.