win him over

USAGE SUMMARY

"win him over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is successful in persuading or convincing someone to do something they originally did not want to do. For example, "After months of trying to win him over, she finally succeeded in getting him to agree to the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll hope to win him over".

The Guardian

And to win him over, I must live a thousand autumns!

The New York Times - Arts

Is there anything you need to do to win him over?

The New York Times

I had to find another inoffensive and not-too-personal topic of conversation to win him over with.

The Guardian

The heir apparent, a shy, 15-year-old virgin, was unwilling to consummate the marriage (it took his wife seven years of pillow talk to win him over).

The New York Times - Books

Still obsessed with Don, she chases him and Cathy to an idyllic coastal retreat to win him over, laying waste to whatever's in her path.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With no forcible way to get a 3-year-old to please just get them on already, perhaps it's better to win him over gently to the sock's allure.

The New York Times - Books

Unlike most actresses I've seen in the role, Jones doesn't have Amanda flirt with Jim to win him over, or try to implicate him in her deep-fried narcissism — which has been the undoing of other Amandas.

The New Yorker

Stravinsky is seen on the DVD wiggling out of an invitation for a more leisurely discussion, so Mr. Bream tries to win him over on the spot by unpacking his lute and playing Dowland's "Lachrimae Pavan".

The New York Times - Arts

Knowing he had just a few seconds to win him over, he told the buyer he had developed an ecologically friendly fertilizer that is cheaper to produce than the major brands.

The New York Times

"I think that my style, which is a bit daring and irreverent like his, helped win him over," Mr. Bellino, 38, said of the meeting with Mr. Trump in January 2003 that sealed their partnership.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "win him over", consider the specific method or strategy being employed to influence the person. Provide context to clarify the approach, such as "She tried to "win him over" with logical arguments" or "He attempted to "win him over" through flattery."

Common error

While "win him over" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced alternatives like "persuade", "convince", or "influence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "win him over" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes the action of successfully persuading someone to support or agree with a particular viewpoint, plan, or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

16%

Reference

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "win him over" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe successfully persuading someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, though perhaps less suited for highly formal or academic writing where alternatives like "persuade" or "influence" may be more appropriate. While generally neutral in tone, being mindful of the specific context and audience is advisable. Remember to focus on the method of persuasion employed when using this phrase to provide more detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuade him

Focuses directly on the act of persuasion without the implication of overcoming resistance.

convince him

Similar to persuade, but often implies a stronger element of changing someone's belief or opinion.

influence him

Suggests a more subtle and gradual effect on someone's thoughts or actions.

get him on your side

Emphasizes gaining someone's support or allegiance.

bring him around

Implies changing someone's mind from a negative or opposing stance.

gain his approval

Focuses on obtaining someone's acceptance or endorsement.

secure his support

Highlights the act of obtaining someone's backing or assistance.

captivate him

Suggests charming or enthralling someone to gain their favor.

charm him

Similar to captivate, but emphasizes the use of personal charm to influence someone.

woo him

Suggests actively seeking someone's affection or favor, often in a romantic context.

FAQs

What does "win him over" mean?

The phrase "win him over" means to successfully persuade someone to support you or agree with you, often after some effort or difficulty.

How can I use "win him over" in a sentence?

You can use "win him over" in sentences like, "She tried to "win him over" with her charm and wit" or "The politician hoped to "win him over" by addressing his concerns directly."

What are some alternatives to "win him over"?

You can use alternatives like "persuade him", "convince him", or "influence him" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to try to "win him over"?

While it's often useful to persuade someone, consider the ethics of your approach. Ensure your methods are honest and respectful, and avoid manipulation or coercion.