to be confident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be confident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a state of self-assurance or belief in one's abilities or qualities. Example: "In order to succeed in public speaking, it is essential to be confident in your message and delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he has reason to be confident.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Rabuka is said to be confident.

The Economist

He had reason to be confident.

The New York Times - Sports

It's good to be confident.

Harvard Business Review

They have to be confident.

The Guardian

He's supposed to be confident.

The New York Times - Sports

People expect experts to be confident.

Harvard Business Review

"You have to be confident," Lecavalier said.

The New York Times - Sports

Lynn has told us to be confident".

The Guardian - Sport

PSG are right to be confident.

The Guardian - Sport

The Yankees have reason to be confident.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be confident", consider the context and choose specific action verbs to strengthen your message. Instead of saying "you need to be confident", specify what actions demonstrate confidence, such as "you need to speak confidently" or "you need to act confidently".

Common error

Avoid using "to be confident" in situations where humility or acknowledgment of uncertainty is more appropriate. Overconfidence can be perceived negatively, so ensure your expression aligns with the situation's demands.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be confident" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a complement to verbs expressing necessity, advice, or encouragement. It modifies the action by specifying the manner in which it should be performed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be confident" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase that emphasizes the importance of self-assurance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. While it enjoys frequent use across News & Media and Wiki sources, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Remember to specify actions that demonstrate confidence and avoid overstating it in situations where humility is preferred. By understanding its nuances and applying these guidelines, you can effectively harness the power of "to be confident" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have confidence

Emphasizes possessing confidence as a trait.

to feel confident

Focuses on the emotional experience of confidence.

to appear confident

Highlights the outward presentation of confidence, regardless of inner feelings.

to become confident

Suggests a process of gaining confidence over time.

to remain confident

Indicates maintaining confidence despite challenges.

to stay confident

Similar to 'remain confident', but with a slightly more informal tone.

to exude confidence

Implies a strong and obvious display of confidence.

to project confidence

Focuses on intentionally conveying confidence to others.

to radiate confidence

Suggests an almost palpable sense of confidence.

to build confidence

Highlights the active effort of developing confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "to be confident" in a sentence?

You can use "to be confident" in various contexts, such as "It's important "to be confident" during a job interview" or "The key to success is "to be confident" in your abilities".

What are some alternatives to "to be confident"?

Alternatives include "to have confidence", "to feel assured", or "to be self-assured", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always a good thing "to be confident"?

While confidence is generally positive, it's crucial to avoid arrogance or overconfidence. Strive for a balance between believing in yourself and acknowledging potential limitations or areas for improvement.

What's the difference between "to be confident" and "to be arrogant"?

"To be confident" implies a healthy belief in one's abilities, while "to be arrogant" suggests an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a disregard for others' perspectives.