be convinced

USAGE SUMMARY

'be convinced' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone needs to be persuaded or convinced of something. For example, "I tried to convince her of my point of view, but she would not be convinced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She can be convinced.

The New Yorker

"He couldn't be convinced".

The New York Times

Investors may still need to be convinced.

The New York Times

Many Pakistanis are waiting to be convinced.

The Economist

He, too, wants to be convinced.

The New York Times - Sports

The base was willing to be convinced.

The New Yorker

Chicago, it seems, wants to be convinced.

The New York Times

The businessmen "still need to be convinced".

The Economist

Others remain to be convinced.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can always be convinced.

The Washington Post

Few had to be convinced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "be convinced" with specific reasons or evidence to strengthen your argument and show how the conviction was achieved. For example, "She had to be convinced by the data."

Common error

Avoid using "be convinced" in active voice constructions. It's a passive phrase, so using it actively can sound awkward or grammatically incorrect. For instance, don't say "He was convinced the team" instead say "He convinced the team."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be convinced" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of belief or certainty that is achieved through external influence or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage. It often appears in contexts where persuasion or proof is necessary to change someone's mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be convinced" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to express the need for or achievement of persuasion. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, indicating a need for evidence or argument to adopt a belief. While generally neutral, it is essential to use it in passive constructions to avoid grammatical errors. Related phrases include "become persuaded" and "be won over", each carrying slightly different nuances. Overall, understanding its function and context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be won over

Highlights the act of being influenced to adopt a new belief or opinion.

be brought around

Suggests a change of mind or opinion due to persuasion.

become persuaded

Focuses on the process of persuasion leading to a change in belief.

come to accept

Emphasizes the process of gradually agreeing with something.

be made to believe

Focuses on an external force causing someone to accept a belief.

be assured

Stresses the receipt of reassurance leading to a state of conviction.

be satisfied

Indicates a state of contentment and agreement with presented information.

grow certain

Emphasizes the gradual development of certainty about something.

be given reason to believe

Focuses on the provision of evidence or justification for acceptance.

be influenced

Emphasizes the effect of external factors on forming a belief.

FAQs

How can I use "be convinced" in a sentence?

You can use "be convinced" to express that someone needs persuasion to believe something. For example, "The jury needs to "be convinced" of his innocence before they can acquit him."

What's a good alternative to "be convinced"?

Alternatives to "be convinced" include phrases like "become persuaded", "be won over", or "grow certain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am convincing" instead of "I am convinced"?

No, "I am convincing" means you are good at persuading others, while "I am convinced" means you have been persuaded and now believe something. They have very different meanings.

What is the difference between "be convinced" and "be persuaded"?

"Be convinced" implies a stronger sense of certainty and often follows a more thorough evaluation of evidence or arguments. "Be persuaded" /s/become+persuaded can imply a lighter, possibly more emotional or less rigorously justified, acceptance.