we actually believe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we actually believe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a genuine conviction or opinion held by a group or individual. Example: "In our discussions, we actually believe that collaboration is key to success in any project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We actually believe in hope.

The Guardian

"We actually believe we have the numbers — but we don't have the mass".

The New York Times

"We actually believe that's the larger theme in Europe," he said.

The New York Times

Well, our parents did a great job, because now we actually believe it".

The New York Times

"In my work with the N.F.L., we actually believe the majority of players do not become more susceptible," Pellman said.

The New York Times - Sports

Only a few days ago, Johnson said, "We actually believe we have efficacy with regard to treating Ebola".

The Guardian - Tech

For all the horseplay, what matters most is that we actually believe in Danny, Matthew, and Jean as siblings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We actually believed we could win," said Faye Rimalovski, a parent.

The New York Times

We actually believed we were in that world".

The New Yorker

"We actually believed we would have a dynamic impact on all the institutions American society had to offer".

The New York Times

"In those days we actually believed we were just one big heave away from beating the Brits militarily," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we actually believe" to emphasize a point when presenting a collective conviction, especially when addressing potential skepticism or doubt. It adds a layer of sincerity to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we actually believe" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "we truly believe" or "we are convinced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we actually believe" functions as a declaration of conviction. It is typically used to assert a particular viewpoint, often in response to potential skepticism or doubt. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and highlights a genuine opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we actually believe" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to emphasize genuine conviction, particularly in situations where there might be skepticism or doubt. According to Ludwig, it is deemed correct and highlights a genuine opinion. It is versatile, appearing across news, academic, and professional contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "it is our belief" or "we hold the opinion" may be more suitable. While the phrase is common, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Overall, Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread acceptance and effectiveness in expressing sincere and considered opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we truly believe

Emphasizes the sincerity of the belief.

we sincerely believe

Highlights the genuineness of the belief.

we genuinely believe

Indicates an honest and authentic belief.

we firmly believe

Stresses the strength and conviction of the belief.

we are convinced

Expresses a state of being persuaded or certain.

it is our belief

Puts the belief forward as a formal statement of opinion.

we hold the opinion

Presents the belief as a considered judgment.

we maintain that

Indicates a sustained and defended belief.

we are of the view

Expresses a particular perspective or opinion.

in our estimation

Indicates a belief based on assessment and judgment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we actually believe" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "it is our belief", "we hold the opinion", or "we maintain that". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a greater sense of professional distance.

Is there a difference between "we actually believe" and "we truly believe"?

Both phrases express a strong conviction, but "we actually believe" often implies that there might be some doubt or skepticism surrounding the belief, which the speaker is trying to dispel. "We truly believe" simply emphasizes the sincerity of the belief without necessarily addressing any existing doubt.

When is it appropriate to use "we actually believe" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "we actually believe" when you want to emphasize the genuineness of a belief, especially when that belief might be surprising or contrary to common assumptions. It's suitable for contexts where you want to add a personal touch and convey sincerity.

What are some less common synonyms for "we actually believe"?

Less common, yet still valid, synonyms include phrases like "we are convinced", "we are of the view", or "in our estimation". These options offer a more nuanced way to express conviction, suitable for varied writing styles.