needs to be convinced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be convinced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone requires persuasion or assurance about a particular idea or action. Example: "Before making a decision, she needs to be convinced that this is the right choice for her future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The public still needs to be convinced.

The Guardian - Sport

Not that anybody needs to be convinced of their worth.

The Economist

Who needs to be convinced for things to actually change?

Harvard Business Review

But at the same time, no one today needs to be convinced that biology is important.

MIT Technology Review

Mr Trump needs to be convinced of his wrongheadedness, for the world's sake.

The Guardian - Opinion

For this argument to work, one needs to be convinced that tax breaks actually increase charitable giving.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Investors may still need to be convinced.

The New York Times

The businessmen "still need to be convinced".

The Economist

Sometimes, the merchants need to be convinced.

The New York Times

I'll need to be convinced".

The New York Times

N.F.L. teams would need to be convinced of that cleansing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be convinced", ensure the subject who requires convincing is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who "needs to be convinced" and of what.

Common error

Avoid declaring something as fact before the intended audience is "needs to be convinced". Present arguments and evidence first, then state the conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be convinced" functions as part of a predicate, indicating that a subject requires persuasion or compelling evidence before accepting a proposition or taking action. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where various entities, from individuals to organizations, "needs to be convinced" in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be convinced" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the necessity for persuasion or proof. As identified by Ludwig, its use spans across varied contexts, from news and media to scientific and business domains, showing its versatility and wide applicability. Given its clear meaning and consistent usage, employing this phrase effectively involves ensuring clarity about who "needs to be convinced" and about what, thereby avoiding any potential ambiguity. Related phrases include "requires persuasion" and "must be persuaded".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires persuasion

Emphasizes the necessity of actively persuading someone.

must be persuaded

Highlights the obligation for someone to be won over.

demands evidence

Focuses on the need for proof or supporting information.

wants assurance

Stresses the desire for reassurance or confirmation.

is yet to be won over

Indicates that someone has not yet been persuaded.

is awaiting validation

Highlights the need for confirmation or approval.

seeks confirmation

Focuses on the active search for verification.

remains skeptical

Emphasizes a state of doubt that requires resolution.

is open to persuasion

Suggests a willingness to be convinced, but not yet.

awaits convincing arguments

Focuses on the need for compelling reasons or justifications.

FAQs

How to use "needs to be convinced" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be convinced" to indicate that someone requires persuasion or proof before accepting a particular idea or action. For example, "The regulator "needs to be convinced" that the project is viable before approving it".

What can I say instead of "needs to be convinced"?

You can use alternatives like "requires persuasion", "must be persuaded", or "demands evidence depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "needs to be convinced" or "should be convinced"?

"Needs to be convinced" implies a current requirement for persuasion, while "should be convinced" suggests a recommendation or expectation. The best choice depends on whether persuasion is necessary or merely advisable.

What's the difference between "needs to be convinced" and "wants to be convinced"?

"Needs to be convinced" suggests an objective requirement for persuasion, often due to doubt or lack of information. "Wants to be convinced" implies a subjective desire for reassurance or confirmation, even if logically persuaded already.