be won over by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be won over by" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation where someone changes their opinion or feelings about something due to persuasion or influence. Example: "She was finally won over by his heartfelt apology." Alternative expressions include "be convinced by" and "be persuaded by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Food

Music

Politics

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Will Ida be won over by such sweetness?

The New York Times - Books

Instead, I prefer to be won over by films.

The Guardian - Film

Cinema is unique in that way – we may need to be won over by the film, but we don't have to be won over by the form itself.

The Guardian - Film

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

The Kremlin could be won over by any revolutionary who mouthed the right Marxist-Leninist formulas.

The Guardian - Books

If the valley will be won over by fighting, then more troops may tilt the balance.

The New York Times

And it lets him speak in monologues, sure that we'll be won over by his intensity.

The New Yorker

Don't be won over by its good looks: "It's style over substance".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can carp about lack of innovation, only to be won over by sheer talent.

The Guardian - Music

I defy you not to be won over by this music.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be won over by", ensure the subject is capable of being persuaded. For example, "The audience can be won over by a compelling performance."

Common error

Avoid using "be won over by" with inanimate objects that cannot be persuaded. Incorrect: "The house was won over by the storm". Correct: "The residents were overwhelmed by the storm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be won over by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject is persuaded or convinced by something or someone. The phrase introduces the means or agent of persuasion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Music

8%

Books

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be won over by" is a frequently used passive construction that describes how someone's initial doubts or objections are overcome by persuasive forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for general use. The phrase sees prominent use across various news sources and media outlets, with applications ranging from politics and entertainment to personal interactions. When using the expression, ensure the subject is capable of persuasion and avoid using it with inanimate objects. Consider swapping out the phrase with options like "be persuaded by" or ""became convinced by"" for a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become convinced by

Focuses on the resulting state of conviction rather than the process of being persuaded.

be persuaded by

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the act of persuasion rather than the end result of acceptance.

be swayed by

Suggests a more emotional or less rational form of influence.

be influenced by

Broader term encompassing various forms of impact, not necessarily leading to a change of opinion.

be affected by

Implies a passive reception of an effect, without necessarily agreeing or accepting.

succumb to

Suggests a yielding to something overpowering or difficult to resist.

yield to

Implies giving way to pressure or influence, often reluctantly.

fall for

An informal expression suggesting being deceived or charmed into believing something.

be charmed by

Focuses on the allure or attractiveness of the influencing factor.

be seduced by

Implies a strong attraction or temptation that leads to acceptance.

FAQs

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

Use "be won over by" to describe a situation where someone's initial resistance or skepticism is overcome by persuasive arguments, charm, or evidence. For example, "The jury was "became convinced by" the lawyer's closing statement".

What's a more formal alternative to "be won over by"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "be persuaded by" or "become convinced by", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated style.

What does it mean to "be won over by" something?

To "be won over by" something means to have your initial doubts or opposition overcome, typically through charm, persuasion, or compelling evidence, leading you to accept or agree with the subject in question. For example, "He was "be charmed by" her wit and intelligence".

Is it always a positive thing to "be won over by" something?

Not necessarily. While being won over often implies a positive shift in opinion due to convincing reasons, it can also suggest manipulation or being swayed by superficial charm. It depends on the context and the nature of the influencing factor. For example, "Don't "be influenced by" appearances alone".