be won over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be won over' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used in the context of having one's opinion, or belief, changed to one that is more favourable. For example, "The customer was won over by the salesperson's persuasive argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could Emily Dugan be won over?

Independent

-Who would need to be won over?

The New York Times

Will Ida be won over by such sweetness?

The New York Times - Books

But how could we not be won over?

The New York Times - Magazine

Another night, I might be won over too.

The Guardian

Both had to be won over, made trustworthy.

The Guardian

Instead, I prefer to be won over by films.

The Guardian - Film

I was willing to be won over, but the dress was not kind.

The New York Times

Freedom, she would advise the founders of new democracies, has to be won over and over.

The New York Times

Some may be won over by the prospect of government positions.

The Economist

I try to keep myself vulnerable so I can be won over by the unfamiliar.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be won over" when you want to emphasize the process of someone changing their opinion or being persuaded, rather than a sudden shift.

Common error

Ensure clarity by stating who or what is causing the change of opinion, preventing ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The audience was won over", specify "The audience was won over by the speaker's compelling arguments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be won over" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is being persuaded or convinced to adopt a certain viewpoint or belief. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be won over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the process of someone being persuaded to change their opinion or belief. As verified by Ludwig, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also found in formal business settings. The phrase conveys a sense of overcoming initial skepticism through persuasive arguments or charm. Remember to specify who is doing the winning to maintain clarity in your writing. While alternatives like "be persuaded" or "be convinced" exist, "be won over" uniquely emphasizes the active effort involved in the persuasion process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be won round

It is more common in British English, with a similar meaning to be won over.

be persuaded

Focuses more directly on the act of convincing someone.

be convinced

Implies a complete change of belief or opinion.

be swayed

Suggests a more subtle or emotional influence.

be influenced

Indicates a broader impact on one's views.

come around

Suggests a gradual shift in opinion.

be brought around

Indicates someone else caused the change of opinion.

be converted

Implies a more profound and transformative change.

be charmed

Suggests being influenced by someone's attractive qualities.

be captivated

implies being highly impressed or attracted by something or someone, leading to a change in opinion

FAQs

How can I use "be won over" in a sentence?

You can use "be won over" to indicate that someone's initial skepticism or opposition was overcome by persuasive arguments, charm, or evidence. For example, "The investors were "be won over" by the company's innovative business plan".

What are some alternatives to "be won over"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "be persuaded", "be convinced", or "be swayed".

Is it appropriate to use "be won over" in formal writing?

Yes, "be won over" is suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of the piece rather than the level of formality.

What's the difference between "be won over" and "be influenced"?

"Be won over" implies a deliberate effort to change someone's opinion, often through persuasion or charm. "Be influenced", on the other hand, suggests a broader impact, where one's views are affected without necessarily a direct attempt at persuasion.