persuade them that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persuade them that" is correct and usable in written English.
For example: "He spent the afternoon trying to persuade them that his plan was the best one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

O'Day showed reporters photos of the bite mark to try to persuade them that the bite was not that serious.

The New York Times - Sports

And secondly, if you can persuade them that it's fair".

The Guardian

I have to persuade them that it's important and worthwhile.

The Guardian

But he might persuade them that Mr Huckabee is unelectable nationally.

The Economist

His darker skin may help persuade them that he is a man of the people.

The Economist

Could I persuade them that David Cameron is a Tory, not a Labour prime minister?

Independent

Governments must persuade them that it is being managed in their interests.

The Economist

It would have been even harder to persuade them that the N.Y.

The New Yorker

You have to persuade them that pulsars or cosmology is interesting".

The New York Times

So they tried to persuade them that this was how he got things done.

The Economist

Sometimes I was able to persuade them that they might have some animals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persuade them that", ensure your argument is well-supported with evidence and logical reasoning to effectively convince your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals without providing sufficient factual basis when trying to "persuade them that" something is true. A balanced approach combining logic and emotion is typically more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persuade them that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. According to Ludwig, it indicates an attempt to convince someone of a particular fact or belief, as shown in various examples. It highlights the act of influencing someone's opinion or course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persuade them that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for conveying the act of convincing someone of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various domains, predominantly in news and media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "convince them that", it's crucial to use it with well-supported arguments rather than relying solely on emotions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, reinforcing its versatility as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convince them that

Focuses more on overcoming doubt or disbelief to establish certainty.

convince them of the fact that

Adds emphasis on the truth or reality of the matter being conveyed.

get them to believe that

Highlights the act of changing someone's belief.

sway them to think that

Emphasizes influencing their opinion or perspective.

influence them to accept that

Suggests a more subtle and indirect approach to gaining agreement.

lead them to conclude that

Focuses on guiding someone's reasoning process.

motivate them to think that

Highlights inspiring someone to adopt a particular viewpoint.

encourage them to accept that

Suggests a positive and supportive approach to gaining agreement.

prompt them to consider that

Introduces an idea for consideration without necessarily aiming for full agreement.

sell them on the idea that

Implies a strong persuasive effort, often with a focus on benefits.

FAQs

How can I use "persuade them that" in a sentence?

You can use "persuade them that" to introduce a clause explaining what you are trying to convince someone of. For example, "He tried to persuade them that his plan was the best option".

What are some alternatives to "persuade them that"?

Alternatives include "convince them that", "get them to believe that", or "sway them to think that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "persuade them that" or "convince them that"?

While both are similar, "persuade" often implies influencing someone through reasoning or enticement, whereas "convince" suggests overcoming doubt or disbelief to establish certainty. Use "convince them that" when aiming for firm belief.

How does "persuade them that" differ from "advise them that"?

"Persuade" focuses on changing someone's opinion or belief, whereas "advise" simply offers a recommendation. Advising doesn't necessarily involve trying to change someone's mind, unlike trying to "persuade" someone.