coaxing out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coaxing out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of gently persuading or encouraging someone or something to reveal or express something. Example: "The therapist was skilled at coaxing out the emotions that her clients often kept hidden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He'll simply keep darting about the baseline, hitting his groundstrokes and coaxing out errors.

The Guardian - Sport

On a few songs, he's egged on by other rappers, as if he needed coaxing out into the spotlight.

The New York Times - Arts

We push on, identifying ways to make the leap from life to fiction, and coaxing out detail.

The New York Times - Books

An avid collaborator, she has worked with many film-makers, fashion designers, producers and other artists, reliably coaxing out some of their best work.

The Economist

But good producers have a way of coaxing out from it the essential elements of the Chablis identity, the most distinctive of all chardonnays.

The New York Times - Food

But in coaxing out dreamier, almost Impressionist undercurrents, he seemed intent on connecting this early work with Carter's second landmark piano composition, "Night Fantasies," completed in 1980.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He could not be coaxed out for an encore.

The New York Times - Arts

Though most hunt at night, owls can be coaxed out during the day for research.

The New York Times - Science

She was frightened, so she was coaxed out with some dog food".

Independent

She pulls her reins taut as the exercise rider coaxes out more speed.

The Economist

And it can take some patience to coax out the attractions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coaxing out" when you want to convey a sense of gentle persuasion or subtle encouragement to reveal or extract something, whether it's information, feelings, or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "coaxing out" in highly formal or technical writing where a more direct or precise term like "eliciting" or "extracting" would be more appropriate. "Coaxing out" often carries a connotation of gentleness or manipulation that might not be suitable for all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coaxing out" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the act of gently persuading or encouraging someone or something to reveal or express something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coaxing out" is a phrasal verb used to describe the process of gently persuading or encouraging someone to reveal something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. While "coaxing out" is versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a slightly informal tone. When choosing to use this phrase, consider its connotation of gentle persuasion and whether a more direct term like "eliciting" might be more appropriate for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing out

Focuses more on extracting or eliciting information or qualities.

eliciting

Emphasizes the act of provoking or drawing out a response or information.

teasing out

Implies a more subtle and delicate process of extraction.

extricating

Suggests a careful removal or discovery, often from a complex situation.

ferreting out

Implies a determined search to uncover something hidden.

unearthing

Suggests discovering something that was buried or hidden.

evoking

Focuses on bringing a feeling, memory, or image to mind.

extracting

Highlights the removal of something, often with effort.

obtaining

Focuses on getting or acquiring something, often information or a response.

persuading

Highlights the use of influence to make someone do something, or reveal something

FAQs

How can I use "coaxing out" in a sentence?

You can use "coaxing out" to describe gently persuading someone to reveal information or express feelings. For example, "The therapist was skilled at "coaxing out" the emotions that her clients often kept hidden".

What are some alternatives to "coaxing out"?

Some alternatives to "coaxing out" include "drawing out", "eliciting", or "teasing out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "coaxing out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "coaxing out" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more direct terms like "eliciting" or "extracting".

What is the difference between "coaxing out" and "drawing out"?

"Coaxing out" implies a gentler, more persuasive approach, while "drawing out" suggests a more general act of extracting or eliciting information or qualities.