convince someone about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convince someone about something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of persuading someone regarding a particular idea, belief, or opinion. Example: "She tried to convince him about the benefits of renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The best way to convince someone about the truth of something is to let them see it for themselves and experience it for themselves," said Rabbi Jack Bemporad of the Center for Interreligious Understanding in Carlstadt, who organized the trip.

Huffington Post

He said that he "respects" the president's decision and acknowledged differing viewpoints on gay marriage, adding, "This is something you can't really convince someone about".

The New York Times

"The first thing is to convince someone about the importance of such an app," he explains.

TechCrunch

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

Independent

Imagine that you really need to convince someone to do something, such as following through on a task.

Harvard Business Review

A financial inducement is a sum of money intended to convince someone to do something.

BBC

The thought of having to convince someone to do something can be terrifying.

Huffington Post

This shouldn't be your first stop, but using fear and outrage in order to convince someone to do something is a very effective technique.

WikiHow

Daniels is always convincing someone of something, and like any good salesman, he knows that selling is not just about the truth.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cela means to 'ask' or 'negotiate', xoxa means to 'talk' or 'tell someone' about something, tshela means to 'tell' or 'narrate' or 'give an account' of something, and azisa means to 'inform' but was also used in relation to convincing someone of something.

AIDS and Behavior

And it took about two years to convince someone to do it finally".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convince someone about something", ensure that the 'something' is a clearly defined concept or idea. Clarity enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

Common error

Avoid trying to "convince someone about something" with flimsy or unsubstantiated claims. Solid evidence and logical reasoning are key to effective persuasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convince someone about something" functions primarily as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the act of persuading another individual to accept a particular idea, belief, or fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating its proper use in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "convince someone about something" is a grammatically correct and widely understandable way to describe the act of persuading someone to believe in a particular idea or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this. While the phrase itself is versatile, paying attention to the strength of your supporting evidence and the context of your communication are paramount for effective persuasion. Consider alternatives like "persuade someone of something" for a more formal tone. Understanding these nuances helps you communicate more effectively and convincingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuade someone of something

Focuses on changing someone's belief through reasoning or argument.

sway someone to a belief

Implies gently influencing someone towards a particular belief.

influence someone's opinion on something

Highlights the act of affecting someone's viewpoint.

get someone to believe in something

Emphasizes the result of making someone accept something as true.

bring someone around to an idea

Suggests a gradual change in someone's thinking.

win someone over to a viewpoint

Indicates successfully persuading someone to adopt a specific perspective.

convert someone to a cause

Implies a more profound change, often involving commitment to a particular cause.

sell someone on an idea

Uses a sales metaphor, emphasizing persuasion.

indoctrinate someone with something

Suggests a more forceful or systematic method of instilling beliefs.

brainwash someone into believing something

Implies manipulation and coercion to change someone's beliefs.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "convince someone about something" in a sentence?

You might say, "She tried to "convince someone about something" by presenting all the facts" or "It's difficult to "convince someone about something" if they are not open to new ideas."

Are there other phrases I can use instead of "convince someone about something"?

Yes, alternatives include "persuade someone of something", "sway someone to a belief", or "influence someone's opinion on something" depending on the context.

Is it better to "convince someone of something" or "convince someone about something"?

Both are acceptable, but "persuade someone of something" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise. "Convince someone about something" is more common in informal contexts.

How does "convince someone about something" differ from simply informing someone?

"Convince someone about something" implies an effort to change someone's belief or understanding, while informing someone simply involves providing information without necessarily aiming to alter their perspective.