convince someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convince someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express the act of persuading someone to believe or do something. Example: She tried to convince him to join the team. Alternative expressions include "persuade someone" and "win someone over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You feel convinced, when you convince someone.

BMJ Open

"How do you convince someone when they have convinced themselves of the opposite?

The Guardian

"Do you think you can convince someone you're not?" Nesbit, the Roane coach, grew intrigued.

The New York Times - Sports

He will do whatever it takes to convince someone he is ready to play pro basketball.

The New York Times

It is very hard to convince someone to go for a secondhand pram, for example".

The Guardian - Money

In most jobs there is an element of sales, of having to convince someone to do something," he adds.

Independent

"It's going to be very hard to convince someone that what you're doing is pure," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's hard to convince someone not to use 40percentt of their ranch for grazing," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

But how do you fully convince someone that you will definitely not turn out like your murderous father?

The Guardian

These were probably attempts to convince someone that the song, from 1942, was suitable for widespread patriotic use in wartime.

The New York Times - Arts

Buyers know what they want, and nobody can convince someone to buy a house he doesn't want".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convince someone", ensure your argument is supported by credible evidence and logical reasoning. Tailor your approach to the individual you are trying to convince, considering their values and perspectives.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals without factual support when trying to "convince someone". While emotions can be persuasive, a strong, logically sound argument is more likely to lead to lasting conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convince someone" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe the action of persuading or causing someone to believe in something. Examples show its use in various contexts, from professional settings to personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "convince someone" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of persuading another person. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and wiki contexts with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to support your arguments with evidence and tailor them to your audience, while avoiding an over-reliance on emotional appeals. Consider using alternatives like "persuade someone" or "influence someone" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuade someone

A more formal and direct synonym.

win someone over

Implies a process of gaining trust or affection to achieve agreement.

influence someone

Suggests a broader impact, not necessarily leading to a specific action or belief.

get someone to agree

Focuses on achieving consensus or acceptance.

talk someone into something

Suggests overcoming resistance through conversation.

bring someone around

Implies changing someone's opinion or point of view.

sell someone on something

Uses a sales metaphor to describe the act of convincing.

sway someone

Implies a gentle or subtle form of persuasion.

convert someone

Suggests a fundamental change in belief or allegiance.

coerce someone

Implies using force or pressure to achieve compliance.

FAQs

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

You can use "convince someone" to describe the act of persuading someone to believe something or do something. For example, "I need to "convince someone" that our project is worth funding."

What are some alternatives to "convince someone"?

Alternatives to "convince someone" include "persuade someone", "influence someone", or "win someone over". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "convince someone" or "persuade someone"?

"Convince" and "persuade" are often used interchangeably, but "persuade" generally implies a broader approach that can include emotional appeals, while "convince" often suggests a more logical or evidence-based approach. Choose the word that best reflects your method of influence.

What's the difference between "convince someone" and "manipulate someone"?

"Convince someone" implies honest and ethical persuasion, while "manipulate someone" suggests using dishonest or unfair tactics to influence them. The key difference lies in the ethical considerations and the intent behind the action.