can be convinced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be convinced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of persuading someone to change their opinion or belief. Example: "With enough evidence and a compelling argument, she can be convinced to support the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She can be convinced.

The New Yorker

Prevention research has to elucidate how families with overweight children can be convinced to participate in obesity intervention trials.

Obesity Research & Clinical Practice

Possibly they can be convinced to do something more entertaining than talk about earmarks.

The New York Times

She can be convinced even when it comes to things she thinks she knows everything about".

The New Yorker

"But he's the kind of kid who can be convinced to do things," Mr. Caceres said.

The New York Times

2. Moderate Republicans can be convinced — especially if they happen to have a gay relative, and/or a libertarian streak.

The New Yorker

A rational regime can be convinced, by diplomacy or force if necessary, to refrain from harassing Israel.

The New York Times

If he's recovered in time perhaps he can be convinced to do it all again next year.

The Guardian - Film

If House Republicans can be convinced of the need for a path to citizenship, then there's hope for the bill.

The Washington Post

But it could nonetheless be a political success if the public can be convinced to blame the wrong people.

The New York Times

But if they can be convinced that the whole thing is just partisan, then they don't have to know.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be convinced", ensure that the context clearly indicates who needs to be convinced and what they need to be convinced of. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying that someone will definitely be convinced. "Can be convinced" suggests a possibility, not a guarantee. Use stronger language only when certainty is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be convinced" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the possibility or potential for someone to be persuaded or to change their belief. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be convinced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the possibility of persuasion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, but is most prevalent in news, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding who needs convincing and about what is essential. Alternatives such as "can be persuaded", "can be swayed", and "is open to persuasion" provide nuanced options for expressing similar ideas. Be mindful to avoid overstating the certainty of persuasion when using "can be convinced", as it inherently suggests a possibility rather than a guaranteed outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be persuaded

Replaces "convinced" with "persuaded", a direct synonym, maintaining the same nuance.

can be swayed

Substitutes "convinced" with "swayed", suggesting a gentle influence.

can be influenced

Replaces "convinced" with "influenced", indicating a broader range of persuasive methods.

is open to persuasion

Changes the structure to emphasize receptiveness to influence.

is susceptible to persuasion

Highlights vulnerability to persuasive arguments.

can be won over

Replaces the passive voice with an active construction, suggesting an active effort to persuade.

can be brought around

Suggests a gradual change in opinion or belief.

can have their mind changed

Focuses on the change of mindset as a result of persuasion.

is amenable to suggestion

Implies a willingness to consider and accept suggestions.

can be made to believe

Highlights the act of causing someone to accept something as true.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be convinced" to indicate that someone is open to changing their opinion or belief if presented with sufficient evidence or a compelling argument. For example, "With enough evidence and a compelling argument, she "can be convinced" to support the new policy."

What is a good substitute for "can be convinced"?

Alternatives to "can be convinced" include "can be persuaded", "can be swayed", or "is open to persuasion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be convinced" formal or informal?

"Can be convinced" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "can be convinced" and "will be convinced"?

"Can be convinced" implies a possibility of changing someone's mind, while "will be convinced" suggests a higher degree of certainty. The former is conditional, while the latter is more declarative. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of persuasion.