woo someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "woo someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of trying to gain someone's affection or love. Example: He tried to woo her with romantic gestures and sweet words. Alternative expressions include "court someone," "pursue someone," and "romance someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's creepy, and you'll both end up frustrated you for wasting time trying to woo someone who doesn't want to be wooed, and your crush for being stuck with someone who doesn't appreciate them as a friend.

WikiHow

But he is left sounding like Stephen Hawking making a disastrous attempt to woo someone across a station concourse.

The Guardian - Music

Persuasive as Uber's contractors may be, they're unlikely to woo someone from another service unless they can show that driving for Uber would benefit the driver — because it pays well or offers extra benefits, or for some other reason.

The New Yorker

It's very empowering to woo someone.

Huffington Post

She's writing poems, she thinks she's doing everything right to woo someone.

HuffPost

Or perhaps you're more "woo"—someone who likes to win over new people and build personal connections.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

People trying to predict attrition often think of "push factors" that make people want to leave their jobs, but public data can point to "pull factors" that indicate recruiters might be wooing someone who's not actively looking.

Harvard Business Review

The good news is that there is plenty of evidence we still can still outrank them for now, from picking out heated cup holders for cars to translating novels or wooing someone to a new job.

The Guardian - Business

In "Twenty One" — his current age — Khalid woos someone while he confesses his own turmoil: "I'm in pain/But I'm to blame/To end this fight/I have to change". Yet there are handclaps, pop-rock guitars and layered vocals to bolster him and make sure he gets through.

The New York Times - Arts

Emergencies apparently do not include imminent late arrival to a meeting because dry cleaning needed picking up, or the need to send a swift message -- WOO WOO! -- to someone who cut off a city official in traffic.

The New York Times

Everyone likes to be wooed -- making someone feel special by preparing their favorite dish is a great way to score Valentine's Day points.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "woo someone", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the desired tone. It can range from playful to serious, so choose accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "woo someone" in contexts where a platonic or professional relationship is desired. It implies romantic interest, which may be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "woo someone" functions as a verb phrase, where "woo" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("someone"). This phrase describes the action of trying to gain someone's affection or favor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "woo someone" describes the act of trying to gain someone's affection or support. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the implied romantic interest and avoid using it in purely platonic or professional settings. Related phrases like "court someone" or "charm someone" offer alternatives with varying degrees of formality and intensity. Remember that being mindful of context will ensure proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Court someone

Emphasizes a more traditional and formal approach to gaining affection.

Pursue someone romantically

Highlights the romantic aspect of trying to win someone over.

Romance someone

Focuses on creating a romantic atmosphere to attract someone.

Charm someone

Implies using personal charm and charisma to win someone over.

Seduce someone

Suggests a more intense and potentially manipulative approach.

Attract someone

Focuses on making oneself appealing to another person.

Win someone over

Highlights the act of successfully gaining someone's favor or affection.

Make advances toward someone

Describes taking initial steps to show romantic interest.

Pay court to someone

A more archaic and formal way of expressing romantic pursuit.

Seek someone's affection

Directly expresses the desire to gain someone's loving feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "woo someone" in a sentence?

You can use "woo someone" in a sentence to describe the act of trying to gain someone's affection, like "He tried to woo her with flowers and chocolates."

What can I say instead of "woo someone"?

You can use alternatives like "court someone", "romance someone", or "charm someone" depending on the context.

Is "woo someone" formal or informal?

"Woo someone" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. More formal alternatives include "court someone".

What is the difference between "woo someone" and "seduce someone"?

"Woo someone" implies a gentler, more affectionate approach, while "seduce someone" suggests a stronger, potentially manipulative attraction.