# believe in sb/sth

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/believe-in-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To feel sure that someone is good or can do something well. It can also mean you are sure that something, like an idea or a ghost, is real or true.

For teachers: To have faith in the existence of something or to trust in the abilities, value, or truthfulness of someone or something. This is a transitive phrasal verb.

## Examples

- I believe in you; you can do it.
- She doesn't believe in ghosts, but she enjoys hearing spooky stories about them.
- To succeed, the team had to truly believe in the unconventional strategy proposed by their new coach, despite initial skepticism from the press.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I believe in that we can win." but "I believe that we can win." — Use 'believe in' with a noun or noun phrase, but use 'believe' alone before a 'that' clause.

## Usage notes

- The object is typically a person, a concept (like 'honesty'), or a supernatural or abstract entity.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'believe someone' (accepting their statement as true) versus 'believe in someone' (trusting their character or potential).

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.