convince

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convince" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to persuade someone to believe or do something. Example: "I need to convince my friend to join us for the trip this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Britain, the new chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said on Monday that he would push through £6 billion ($8.65 billion) in spending cuts in an effort to convince skittish markets that the new government led by David Cameron was committed to fiscal restraint.

The New York Times

This month's Guardian/ICM poll suggests the answer is a cautious yes – but the party has yet to convince voters it has the right team and policies to run the country.

The Guardian

The only way to survive was to convince the brain to be satisfied with the tiny bit of air it got The plane was in the air.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, they will try to convince him that they can't give him what he's asking for.

The Guardian

So in the coming months, Cameron will try to convince his European partners that the British are willing to leave if their demands are not met.

The Guardian

Related: Julie Bishop unable to convince Iran to take back asylum seekers Bishop was seeking Iran's support in the returning of rejected asylum seekers to their home countries.

The Guardian

Besides, the argument from security does not convince.

The Guardian - Opinion

Climate sceptics seek not only to cast doubt on the science but also to convince us we are alone in our endeavour.

The Guardian

With the two main parties engaged in trying to convince voters which is the most important electoral issue, how the respective messages are perceived matters greatly.

The Guardian

"Your critique of the government's austerity strategy may never win back public trust and your proposals for the economy will never convince".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is difficult to convince families to leave their children here.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convince", consider the audience and tailor your argument to their specific needs and values. Strong evidence and logical reasoning are essential for effective persuasion.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals when trying to "convince" someone. Back up your claims with facts, data, or logical reasoning to build a stronger, more credible argument.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "convince" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person being convinced). It indicates the action of persuading someone to believe or do something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its extensive examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "convince" is a versatile and frequently used verb that means to persuade someone to believe or do something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "convincing" someone requires a logical and well-supported argument, relying solely on emotions is not advised. Alternatives like "persuade", "win over", and "influence" offer nuanced ways to express the act of changing someone's mind or behavior. Mastering the art of "convincing" involves tailoring your approach to the audience and providing credible evidence to support your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuade

A general synonym, but often implies a slightly gentler approach than "convince".

win over

Suggests overcoming resistance or opposition to gain someone's support or agreement.

sway

Implies influencing someone's opinion or decision, often subtly.

influence

A broader term suggesting an effect on someone's thoughts or actions, not necessarily leading to complete agreement.

assure

Focuses on removing doubt and instilling confidence.

satisfy

Implies meeting someone's needs or requirements to gain their agreement or approval.

bring around

Suggests a gradual process of changing someone's mind.

get through to

Focuses on overcoming communication barriers to make someone understand or believe.

convert

Suggests a significant change in someone's beliefs or opinions.

reassure

Emphasis is on restoring confidence and dispelling fears or uncertainties

FAQs

How can I use "convince" effectively in a sentence?

Use "convince" when you aim to make someone believe something through reasoned argument or evidence. For example, "I need to convince my boss that this project is worth investing in."

What are some alternatives to "convince"?

You can use alternatives like "persuade", "win over", or "influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "convince" and "persuade"?

"Convince" often implies using logic and evidence to change someone's belief, while "persuade" can involve appealing to emotions or desires as well.

When is it appropriate to use "convince" in formal writing?

"Convince" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. In formal contexts, ensure your arguments are well-supported and logically sound to effectively "convince" your audience.