coax into

USAGE SUMMARY

"coax into" is a perfectly correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means "persuade someone to do something" or "gradually lead someone to do something." For example: "I had to coax my daughter into finishing her dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Some species sold as captive-bred are notoriously difficult to coax into reproducing.

The New York Times - Science

This time of year, balmy temperatures coax into bloom a sea of tulips, azaleas and irises.

The New York Times - Travel

But O'Connell has thought this through, and there are embers of light that he hopes to coax into warming flames.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is hardly a fruit or vegetable that Mary cannot coax into life – grapes are grown in their conservatory.

The Guardian

But for the most part, it's her adult clients she has to coax into a kind of brow rehab.

The New York Times

For several decades, researchers have tried to find a source of living cells to coax into new tissues.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They, too, must be coaxed into agreement.

The Economist

Pamela Travers Emma Thompsonn) is coaxed into meeting Walt Disney by her literary agent.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Ayers needed to be coaxed into doing it.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually, he was coaxed into surrendering, according to the Chronicle.

The Washington Post

India and Pakistan must be coaxed into signing the international nuclear treaties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coax into" when you want to emphasize a gentle, patient approach to persuading someone. It suggests a gradual process of influence rather than a forceful demand.

Common error

Avoid using "coax into" when the situation involves coercion or strong pressure. "Coax into" implies a gentle persuasion, not a forceful demand. Using it in the wrong context can misrepresent the nature of the interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coax into" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of gently persuading someone to do something. It emphasizes a gradual and subtle approach to influence, as noted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coax into" is a phrasal verb denoting gentle persuasion. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, it is essential to use it appropriately, emphasizing gentleness rather than force. Alternatives like "persuade into" or "entice into" can be used depending on the nuances you want to convey. Understanding the subtle differences helps in crafting precise and contextually appropriate sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cajole into

Suggests using flattery or gentle urging to persuade someone, emphasizing a friendly and persuasive approach.

talk into

Focuses on the use of conversation and reasoning to convince someone, highlighting the verbal aspect of persuasion.

entice into

Emphasizes the use of attractiveness or allure to draw someone in, suggesting a more tempting approach.

wheedle into

Implies using flattery or endearments to persuade someone, often suggesting a manipulative or insincere approach.

lure into

Highlights the use of a bait or trap to attract someone, often implying a hidden motive.

persuade to enter

Focuses on convincing someone to physically enter a place or situation, adding a spatial dimension.

influence to join

Indicates a more general effort to affect someone's decision to become a member or participant.

dissuade into

Suggests gently discouraging someone from doing something specific.

manipulate into

Implies skillfully controlling or influencing someone, often in an unfair or deceptive way.

press into

Emphasizes applying pressure or force to make someone do something, suggesting a less gentle approach.

FAQs

How can I use "coax into" in a sentence?

You can use "coax into" to describe gently persuading someone to do something. For example, "I had to coax my cat into the carrier with treats."

What are some alternatives to "coax into"?

You can use alternatives like "persuade into", "entice into", or "cajole into" depending on the context.

Is "coax into" formal or informal?

"Coax into" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the informal side.

What's the difference between "coax into" and "force into"?

"Coax into" implies gentle persuasion, while "force into" implies using coercion or pressure. The former is a gentle approach, and the latter is forceful.