cannot be convinced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be convinced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone is not persuaded or does not change their opinion despite arguments or evidence presented to them. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence, she cannot be convinced to change her stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Those who cannot be convinced deserve to be disparaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

I cannot be convinced he is gone until I see him dead".

The New Yorker

She cannot be convinced otherwise, so McMorsey agrees to drive her to Fargo.

The New York Times - Books

Unless football gives that signal and does so quickly, we cannot be convinced that the game is finally ready to move into the 21st century.

Independent

In the case of Syria, Moscow cannot be convinced that U.S. motives are driven purely by the humanitarian calamity that Assad created.

The New York Times

Still, if you cannot be convinced — if you are so narrow-minded that you can't accept me simply because I left the vast majority of you dead or crippled — then I suppose I will take my leave.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In a CHC, teachers cannot easily be convinced of the effectiveness of active learning and student-centered pedagogical approaches which encourage students to actively construct knowledge through discussion, debate, and experimentation (Huang and Asghar 2016).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Plainly put, some people just cannot -- WILL not be convinced that climate change is a problem.

Huffington Post

If Hamas cannot be uprooted, it might be convinced to not disrupt peace talks with violence and tone down its rhetoric.

The New York Times

It is crucially important that all the faithful should be convinced that they cannot live their faith or share fully in the life of the Christian community unless they take part regularly in the Sunday Eucharistic assembly.

Wikipedia

She can be convinced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be convinced", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific evidence or arguments are failing to persuade the individual or group in question.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be convinced" as a blanket statement about someone's intelligence or character. Focus on the specific issue at hand and the reasons for their resistance to persuasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be convinced" functions as a passive construction expressing an inability to be persuaded. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It often modifies a subject, indicating that the subject is resistant to influence or persuasion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be convinced" is a commonly used expression to indicate an inability to be persuaded. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the potential negativity and ensure the context clearly explains the reasons for resistance to persuasion. Related phrases like "is unpersuadable" or "remains unconvinced" offer alternative ways to convey the same meaning. When writing, avoid using it as a broad judgment but focus on specific issues and reasons. Overall, it is effective in expressing the futility of changing someone's mind on a particular matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unpersuadable

Focuses on the state of being incapable of being persuaded.

remains unconvinced

Emphasizes the continuation of a lack of conviction.

is impervious to reason

Highlights a resistance to logical arguments.

cannot be swayed

Suggests an inability to be influenced or diverted from a course of action.

is resistant to change

Indicates a general opposition to alteration or modification.

holds firm to their beliefs

Focuses on the strength and persistence of someone's convictions.

refuses to believe

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to accept something as true.

is set in their ways

Highlights a fixed and inflexible approach to thinking or behaving.

is closed to suggestions

Implies an unwillingness to consider alternative ideas or proposals.

is entrenched in their opinion

Suggests a deeply rooted and difficult-to-change viewpoint.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be convinced" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be convinced" to indicate that someone is resistant to changing their opinion, such as, "Despite all the evidence, he "cannot be convinced" that climate change is real."

What can I say instead of "cannot be convinced"?

You can use alternatives like "is unpersuadable", "remains unconvinced", or "is impervious to reason" depending on the context.

Is it too negative to say someone "cannot be convinced"?

While "cannot be convinced" can sound negative, its appropriateness depends on the context. It's suitable when describing a firm resistance to change, but avoid using it to dismiss someone's views without understanding their reasoning.

What's the difference between "cannot be convinced" and "will not be convinced"?

"Cannot be convinced" suggests an inherent inability to be persuaded, perhaps due to strong beliefs or lack of understanding. "Will not be convinced" implies a deliberate refusal to be persuaded, regardless of the evidence.