having faith

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Continuing to believe in or trust someone or something, often when it is difficult.

   Grammar: Used as a continuous verb form; often followed by 'in' or 'that': 'having faith in God', 'having faith that it will work'.

   Patterns

   • having faith in someone/something
   • having faith that ...

   She keeps having faith in her team even when they lose.

   Having faith in yourself is the first step to success.

   He is having faith that the treatment will work.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasereligion

   Believing in a religion and its teachings.

   Grammar: Often used in religious contexts; can be followed by 'in' a god or simply used alone.

   Patterns

   • having faith in God
   • having faith

   Having faith gives many people comfort in hard times.

   She was raised having faith in the church.

Common combinations

having faith in someone

I'm having faith in you to finish the project.

having faith that something will happen

She's having faith that the weather will improve.

having faith in God

He finds strength in having faith in God.

having faith in the future

Despite the crisis, they are having faith in the future.

Synonyms and how they differ

trusting

Focuses on relying on someone's honesty or ability; 'having faith' often adds a sense of belief without proof.

believing

More general; 'having faith' suggests a deeper, sometimes religious, commitment.

Opposites

Word family

faith noun

Strong belief or trust; also a religion.

faithful adjective

Loyal and reliable; also believing in a religion.

faithfully adverb

In a loyal and reliable way.

Commonly confused: having faith or having fate?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “having faith”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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