Meaning
to have faith or confidence in the existence, worth, or ability of something/someone; expresses trust, conviction, or a personal moral endorsement.
Primary Function
expresses trust, conviction, or religious/ethical faith
Communicative Purpose
shows support for an idea, person, principle, or belief system; reassures others of commitment to values or outcomes.
Pattern
believe in
Core Structure
believe in
Função primária
expresses trust, conviction, or religious/ethical faith
Propósito comunicativo
shows support for an idea, person, principle, or belief system; reassures others of commitment to values or outcomes.
Situações de gatilho
discussing shared beliefs, motivating statements, providing encouragement, formal endorsements (e.g., speeches).
Contextos
everyday conversation, professional settings when endorsing policies or colleagues, spiritual or religious contexts such as prayers or sermons.
Padrão
believe in
Estrutura central
believe in
Slots de substituição
a person, an idea or principle, an activity or thing
Colocados típicos
- strongly
- genuinely
- truly
- still
- never stopped believing in
Substituições comuns
- have faith in
- trust in
Erros comuns
omitting the required preposition 'in' (e.g., saying *'I believe someone' instead of *'I believe in someone'); using it to mean simply accepting a statement rather than expressing personal conviction.
Similar / contraste
believe (transitive) vs. believe in – former indicates acceptance/assent about facts or statements, latter conveys deeper personal investment and endorsement.
Interferências
Many languages use similar constructions for both meanings; learners must be aware that English distinguishes between intellectual assent and emotional commitment.
Família do chunk
- trust in
- have confidence in
- count on
- rely on
Nuance
'Believe in' signals a lasting personal investment or faith beyond mere factual agreement.
Efeito pragmático
Can inspire hope, reinforce team spirit, convey moral authority, and provide reassurance during challenging situations.
Dica de memória
I believe in hard work.
Nota
This chunk is essential for expressing personal commitment and trust, distinguishing it from the more neutral 'believe' which only indicates acceptance of facts.
Upgrade path
use 'have faith in', 'put one's trust in' for emotional resonance
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