Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Jerry Chen]

Hello,

What is the difference?

I believe his word.
I believe in his word.

Thanks for your help.

[pugachevV]

If someone "gives you their word." It means they are swearing(promising) that they will do something.

In that case you can just say, "I believe him."

Believe = Feel sure that something is true; accept the statement of someone as true; have religious faith.

Believe in = 1). have faith in the truth or existence of,
e.g. I believe in God.;
2). Have confidence in.
e.g. I believe in Bill's ability.

3). Think that something is right or acceptable
e.g. I believe in hanging.
As you can see, there is very little practical difference between the two statements.