they believe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they believe" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce the beliefs or opinions of a group of people. For example: "They believe that education is the key to a successful future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

TV & Radio

Opinion

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They believe.

The New York Times - Sports

Or so they believe.

The New Yorker

They believe in brands.

The Economist

They believe in autocracy".

The New Yorker

"They believe it".

The New York Times

They believe in me".

The New York Times - Sports

They believe everything.

The New York Times - Travel

"They believe in magic.

The New Yorker

They know what they believe".

The New Yorker

That they believe in God".

The New York Times - Magazine

They believe in his theories".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they believe", ensure the subject ('they') is clearly defined and the context makes their identity unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "they believe" to introduce claims without providing supporting evidence or context. Always aim to clarify the basis for their belief to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they believe" serves as a declarative clause element, introducing a proposition, opinion, or conviction held by a group. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and common usage, exemplified by various contexts in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they believe" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for attributing a belief to a group. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the subject ('they') is well-defined. By avoiding unsubstantiated claims, you ensure credible and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they think

Focuses more on the act of thinking or considering something to be true.

they consider

Suggests a more formal or deliberate evaluation process leading to a belief.

they are convinced

Emphasizes the strength and certainty of their belief.

they assume

Implies a belief based on less evidence, often taken for granted.

they are of the opinion

A more formal way to express that they hold a particular belief or view.

they presume

Similar to 'assume' but can also suggest a legal or formal context.

they hold the view

Similar to 'are of the opinion' but slightly less formal.

they understand

Highlights comprehension and acceptance as a basis for belief.

their conviction is

Highlights the strong and unwavering nature of their belief.

it is their understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension or interpretation leading to a belief.

FAQs

How can I use "they believe" in a sentence?

You can use "they believe" to introduce a shared opinion or conviction held by a group of people. For example, "They believe that hard work leads to success".

What can I say instead of "they believe"?

You can use alternatives like "they think", "they consider", or "they assume" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who 'they' are when using "they believe"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who "they" are enhances clarity and credibility. If the context doesn't make the referent obvious, it's best to identify the group holding the belief.

What's the difference between "they believe" and "they know"?

"They believe" implies an opinion or conviction, which may or may not be based on concrete evidence. "They know", on the other hand, suggests certainty and factual knowledge. The choice depends on whether you're describing a belief or a confirmed fact.