Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

(1) You may not believe me.
(2) You may not believe in me.
----->
I guess that (1) means "you may not believe what I say."

But I don't understand (2). Are the similar sentences "I believe God=I believe what God says" and "I believe in God=I believe the existence of God"?

Thank you in advance.

[Suzanne]

Hello!(


1) You may not believe me.
You are correct: this means "You may not believe what I say." or "You probably don't think I'm right."

(2) You may not believe in me.
This means: "You don't have confidence in me." or "You don't think I can do it." or "You think I will fail."

Does that help?

[learner12]

Dear Suzanne:

Thank you for your quick replies.

I have another question.

What is the difference between "(1) I believe in god" and "(2) I believe god"?

My guess:
(1)=I believe the existence of god.
(2)=I believe what god says.

Thank you in advance.

[learner12]

Dear Suzanne:

Thank you for your quick replies.

I have another question.

What is the difference between "(1) I believe in god" and "(2) I believe god"?

My guess:
(1)=I believe the existence of god.
(2)=I believe what god says.

Thank you in advance.

[Suzanne]

Good morning,

You are exactly right about your "guesses"--sounds like you know the differences very well.

Keep up the good work!

Have a good week!

[learner12]

Dear Suzanne:

Thank you so much for your explantions.

Take care and have a weekend.