convince me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convince me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are asking someone to persuade you or change your mind about something. Example: "If you really believe in your idea, then go ahead and convince me why I should support it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

You don't convince me.

The New York Times

He does not convince me.

The Economist

"That wouldn't convince me either".

The New York Times

He will likely convince me.

The New York Times

Because this doesn't convince me.

The New Yorker

Did he convince me?

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Well, he's not convincing me.

The Guardian - Music

What convinced me?

The New York Times - Books

"You have convinced me.

The New Yorker

"They never convinced me.

The Washington Post

Court: Well, it convinces me.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "convince me" when you genuinely want to be persuaded by someone's argument or evidence. It indicates an open mind but requires a compelling case.

Common error

Avoid using "convince me" sarcastically or when you're already certain of your position. It can come across as dismissive or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convince me" functions as an imperative, directly requesting someone to persuade the speaker. It's a call to action, prompting the other party to present arguments or evidence that will alter the speaker's current belief or opinion. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "convince me" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves as a direct request for persuasion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s frequently found in news and media sources. The phrase conveys a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints, placing the onus on the speaker to provide compelling evidence or arguments. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use the phrase sincerely, as sarcasm can undermine its effectiveness. Alternatives like "persuade me" or "prove it to me" can be used for different nuances or in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuade me

This alternative is a direct synonym, carrying the same meaning with a slightly more formal tone.

change my mind

This phrase invites the speaker to alter their present thinking or attitude.

sway my opinion

This directly addresses the act of influencing or changing someone's viewpoint.

make me believe it

This alternative emphasizes the act of changing someone's belief or acceptance of something.

win me over

This suggests a need to be charmed or swayed through compelling arguments or actions.

give me a reason to believe

This stresses the necessity of providing justification for accepting a statement as true.

prove it to me

This phrase shifts the focus to requiring proof or evidence to support a claim.

sell it to me

This phrase implies a need for strong persuasion, as if one is being sold an idea or product.

show me the proof

This expression demands evidence in a direct and somewhat challenging manner.

demonstrate it to me

This emphasizes the importance of a practical display or tangible validation of the claim.

FAQs

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

Use "convince me" when you are open to changing your opinion but need strong evidence or a compelling argument. For instance, "I'm skeptical, but "convince me" that this plan will work".

What are some alternatives to saying "convince me"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "persuade me", "prove it to me", or "change my mind".

Is it appropriate to use "convince me" in formal writing?

While "convince me" is generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider using "persuade me" or "demonstrate it to me" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "convince me" and "try to convince me"?

"Convince me" is a direct challenge or invitation, while "try to convince me" implies a lower expectation of success or a greater level of skepticism. For instance "Convince me" suggests you could be persuaded by the correct argument. Whereas, "Try to "convince me"" means you don't expect they will, but you are open to hearing the argument.