we have believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a belief that has been held over a period of time, often in a context discussing faith, trust, or conviction. Example: "Throughout the years, we have believed in the importance of community service and its impact on society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

For the past 150 years, we have believed him.

The New York Times

For years we have believed that the answer was "torture".

The Guardian

We have believed that our economies must grow because we think this is progress.

The Guardian

For too long we have believed there is one "right" set of economic policies and that any negatives are inevitable.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have believed that throwing billions of dollars at our former subjects will bring prosperity and security.

The Guardian - Opinion

"From the outset, we have believed that a total ban would unnecessarily infringe on First Amendment rights," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We've believed in the kid," Frank Cushing said of Brian, who was a star at Bergen Catholic High School.

The New York Times - Sports

"We would have pushed a lot harder if we had believed in it".

The Guardian

"We believe in taking care of our people, and we had believed this was the right way to go".

The New York Times - Health

That's a principle that we've believed in for a long time".

The Guardian - Sport

But Zurayk was neither guileless nor naïve, as we had believed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "we have believed" with specific timeframes or events to add precision. For example, "Since the initial research, we have believed..."

Common error

Avoid using "we have believed" when there is substantial evidence contradicting the belief. Instead, acknowledge the conflicting evidence and express a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have believed" functions as a statement of shared conviction or long-held opinion. It indicates that a group ("we") has maintained a particular belief over a period of time. This is supported by the examples in Ludwig, which show the phrase used to express sustained beliefs in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have believed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a shared belief held over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure that the "we" is clearly defined and consider alternatives like "we have been convinced" or "we have held the view" to fine-tune your message. Be mindful of overstating certainty when evidence contradicts the belief, and clarify whether the belief is still current or former.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have been convinced

Replaces "believed" with "convinced", suggesting a stronger sense of certainty.

we have been of the opinion

Offers a more formal alternative to express an opinion held over time.

we have held the view

Similar to "we have been of the opinion" but emphasizes the perspective held.

we have maintained

Suggests a consistent and unwavering belief.

we have always thought

Emphasizes the duration of the belief.

we have considered

Indicates a belief formed after some deliberation.

it has been our understanding

Shifts the focus to a collective understanding rather than a personal belief.

we have presumed

Implies a belief based on probability or likelihood, not necessarily solid evidence.

we have assumed

Similar to "we have presumed", but can sometimes suggest a lack of critical examination.

we have taken it for granted

Suggests a belief accepted without questioning, potentially highlighting a flaw in reasoning.

FAQs

How do I use "we have believed" in a sentence?

Use "we have believed" to express a shared conviction or opinion held over a period of time. For example, "For many years, we have believed that education is the key to success."

What can I say instead of "we have believed"?

You can use alternatives like "we have been convinced", "we have held the view", or "we have maintained" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "we believe" or "we have believed"?

Use "we believe" to express a current belief. Use "we have believed" to emphasize that the belief has been held for some time. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "we have believed" and "we once believed"?

"We have believed" implies the belief is still held. "We once believed" indicates a belief that was held in the past but is no longer held. The key difference lies in whether the belief is current or former.