difficult to persuade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to persuade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is resistant to being convinced or influenced by arguments or reasoning. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we found him difficult to persuade to change his mind about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it's very difficult to persuade them.

MIT Technology Review

Record labels and industry bodies will be difficult to persuade.

The Guardian - Tech

Slightly more difficult to persuade was Lori's father.

The New York Times - Health

It is difficult to persuade new dealers to exhibit.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, it is difficult to persuade investors to agree to long-term commitments.

The New York Times

"It was very difficult to persuade her to do it," Kuzmick said dryly.

The New Yorker

It was difficult to persuade the different tribes to allow the objects to leave New Zealand.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, he found it difficult to persuade men to forget his recent conduct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When prices collapse it becomes difficult to persuade collectors to sell.

The Economist

It was difficult to persuade the parent to consider other possibilities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Focus on the most-difficult-to-persuade player your ultimate target or someone else who's critical to the deal.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to persuade", consider specifying the reason for the difficulty. This adds clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to persuade" as a blanket statement. Provide specific examples or reasons why someone is hard to convince, rather than leaving it as a vague assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to persuade" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the quality of being hard to convince or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to persuade" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something resistant to influence. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and business contexts. While "hard to convince" and "not easily swayed" serve as viable alternatives, it's important to provide context and avoid overgeneralization when using this phrase. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the challenges of persuasion in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to convince

Changes the phrasing to emphasize the act of convincing rather than persuading.

not easily convinced

Emphasizes the lack of susceptibility to conviction.

resistant to persuasion

Focuses on the resistance to the act of persuasion.

unlikely to be swayed

Highlights the improbability of being influenced.

stubborn in their views

Indicates a fixed and unyielding mindset.

set in their ways

Implies a resistance to change or new ideas.

dogmatic

Suggests an unwavering adherence to beliefs.

in transigent

Focuses on refusal to compromise or agree.

firm in their convictions

Emphasizes the strength of deeply held beliefs.

close-minded

Suggests an unwillingness to consider different perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to persuade" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to persuade" to describe someone who is resistant to changing their mind or accepting new ideas. For example: "He is "difficult to persuade" once he has made a decision."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult to persuade"?

Alternatives include "hard to convince", "not easily swayed", or "resistant to persuasion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "difficult to persuade"?

Use "difficult to persuade" when you want to express that someone is challenging to influence or convince, often due to their strong beliefs or stubborn nature. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term, like "intransigent", might be more appropriate.

Is there a difference between "difficult to persuade" and "impossible to persuade"?

"Difficult to persuade" implies a challenge in changing someone's mind, while "impossible to persuade" suggests that it is completely hopeless to even try. The former indicates a high level of resistance, while the latter indicates an insurmountable barrier.