convince someone of something

USAGE SUMMARY

"convince someone of something" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means to persuade someone to believe or accept a certain idea or proposition. This phrase is usually used in a persuasive or argumentative context, such as when trying to persuade someone to see things from your perspective or to agree with your opinion. Example: I was able to convince my boss of the importance of implementing a new recycling program in the office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"If you actually want to convince someone of something, you must address them in a respectful way and try to convince them; otherwise you are defeating your own purpose".

The New York Times

That's it, Burke's then-revolutionary idea: that to convince someone of something, one of your most compelling strategies is not to violently oppose someone, but rather to convey a commonality, a sense that I am in some way like you, or I share common interests or goals with you.

Columbia University

And whereas I don't have great success trying to convince someone of something via email, I can get them to see things my way in a conversation -- something M.I.T. professor Sherry Turckle beautifully articulated in a recent New York Times opinion piece, and something we'd all be so much better off if we simply remembered how we worked before devices.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

Doesn't bully to get his way, to convince someone of the worthiness of his position.

Huffington Post

Convincing someone of an idea is one thing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Use these strategies when you argue, but remember that convincing someone of your point of view is no easy task.

Independent

Anecdotes: What is the most difficult thing you have ever convinced someone of?

HuffPost

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

Independent

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

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convince someone of something", ensure you provide sufficient evidence or reasoning to support your claim. Simply stating your opinion is unlikely to be effective.

Common error

Avoid using "convince someone of something" without providing concrete evidence or logical reasoning. Merely repeating your point or becoming overly emotional will rarely lead to a successful persuasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convince someone of something" functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the act of persuading someone to accept a particular viewpoint or belief. The Ludwig examples showcase its usage in varied contexts, emphasizing the intent to alter someone's perspective.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "convince someone of something" is a phrasal verb used to describe persuading someone to believe a specific idea. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and relatively common. The phrase is typically used in neutral contexts, spanning across news, academic, and scientific domains. To use it effectively, provide strong evidence and logical reasoning, as simply stating opinions will likely fall short. Remember that this phrase focuses on changing someone's belief, so use alternatives such as "persuade someone to do something" when your objective is to solicit a specific action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make someone believe something

Directly addresses the creation of belief in another person.

prove something to someone

Highlights the use of evidence to establish the truth of something to another person.

persuade someone about something

Focuses on the act of persuading, shifting the emphasis slightly from belief to action.

bring someone around to something

Indicates a gradual change in opinion or acceptance.

win someone over to something

Highlights the success in influencing someone's opinion.

assure someone of something

Implies removing doubt or anxiety rather than changing someone's mind completely.

get someone to accept something

Focuses on the final stage of agreement or approval.

satisfy someone about something

Suggests providing enough information to resolve concerns or questions.

influence someone's view of something

Addresses the broader impact on someone's perspective.

sell someone on something

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect, often used in a business context.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "convince someone of something" in a sentence?

To effectively use "convince someone of something", provide clear and logical reasoning supported by evidence. For example, "I used data to "convince my boss of" the need for a new marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "convince someone of something"?

Alternatives include "persuade someone about something", "assure someone of something", or "make someone believe something" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "convince someone of something" and "persuade someone to do something"?

"Convince someone of something" focuses on changing someone's belief, while "persuade someone to do something" focuses on getting someone to take a specific action. You convince someone of an idea, but persuade them to act.

Is it always ethical to try to "convince someone of something"?

While persuasion is a part of communication, it's essential to ensure you're using truthful information and avoiding manipulation. Ethical persuasion involves presenting facts and reasoning honestly, allowing the other person to make their own informed decision.