could be persuaded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be persuaded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone changing their mind or opinion on a particular matter. Example: "After much discussion, I believe he could be persuaded to join our side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Independents could be persuaded.

The New York Times

I could be persuaded back.

Independent

Therefore they could be persuaded to change.

The Guardian - Sport

No new doctors could be persuaded into this perilous terrain.

The New York Times - Health

If only clinicians could be persuaded to use it.

The Guardian

NO pilot could be persuaded to fly that day.

The New York Times - Tech

My friend never could be persuaded to go to the Galaxy.

The New York Times

And, even if Zyama could be persuaded, Kostya's conscience would not allow it.

The New Yorker

I wonder if there's any way Stephen Fry could be persuaded to do a series here.

The New York Times - Magazine

The fact that only eight companies could be persuaded to sign may be revealing in itself.

The Economist

Perhaps others could be persuaded to join (best of all, in a large group).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be persuaded" when you want to express the possibility of changing someone's opinion or getting them to do something, but avoid implying coercion or manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "could be persuaded" when the situation suggests that persuasion is highly unlikely or impossible, as it can create unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be persuaded" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential action. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in expressing the chance of someone changing their mind or being influenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be persuaded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the possibility of changing someone's mind or influencing their actions. According to Ludwig AI, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various situations. Related phrases include "might be convinced" and "could be swayed", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the desired degree of influence. When using the phrase, consider whether the situation realistically allows for persuasion and avoid implying coercion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be convinced

Indicates a possibility of changing someone's mind, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different nuance.

could be swayed

Suggests a gentle influence, implying that someone's opinion could be easily shifted.

might be won over

Focuses on gaining someone's support or agreement after some initial resistance.

could be induced

Suggests persuading someone, often through incentives or promises.

might be influenced

Indicates a change in someone's thinking or behavior due to external factors.

could be talked into

Implies persuading someone to do something they were initially reluctant to do through conversation.

might be coaxed

Suggests gently persuading someone through flattery or persistent encouragement.

could be manipulated

Implies influencing someone through dishonest or unfair means, which carries a negative connotation.

might be bamboozled

Suggests deceiving someone into believing something, typically for personal gain.

could have their mind changed

Focuses on the act of altering someone's opinion or decision, highlighting the shift in perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "could be persuaded" in a sentence?

Use "could be persuaded" to indicate the possibility of influencing someone's decision or opinion. For instance, "With the right incentives, he "could be persuaded" to join the project".

What can I say instead of "could be persuaded"?

You can use alternatives like "might be convinced", "could be swayed", or "might be won over" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "could be persuaded" or "could be convince"?

"Could be persuaded" is correct because "persuaded" is the past participle form of the verb "persuade" which is the correct form to use after "be". "Could be convince" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "could be persuaded" and "might be persuaded"?

Both "could be persuaded" and "might be persuaded" suggest a possibility. "Could" indicates a general possibility, while "might" suggests a slightly lower probability or more uncertainty.