woo with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "woo with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of trying to gain someone's affection or favor, often romantically. Example: "He decided to woo her with flowers and sweet compliments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

You woo with words, flirting gently.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jeffrey Osborne pitches woo with honeyed tones; his latest album is "Love Songs" (Hip-O Records).

The New York Times

Armed with this bombshell, again I tried to woo with cartographic charm.

The New York Times - Travel

MANY men woo with bouquets of velvety red roses, lavishly beribboned and wrapped in a ruffle of tissue.

The New York Times - Style

But there is little sign as yet of the $2.5 billion a year in investment that the government hoped to woo with a new foreign-investment law last year, mostly because it sends mixed signals.

The Economist

Those unemployed or in difficulties in the course of this devastating recession, who Romney has been trying to woo with his promises of jobs, find themselves labelled as spineless.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Perhaps Gloria James might be wooed with a tour of South Beach hot spots?

The New York Times

Donors are then wooed with personal touches based on schools' research.

The New York Times

Potential allies such as tribal groups and local militias are wooed with cash, guns and promises.

The Economist

Wooing with fresh-baked cookies, for example, is not unheard of.

The New York Times

In the intervening years, Spain can expect to be wooed with loans and investments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "woo with" to describe intentional actions aimed at gaining favor, affection or support. Be mindful of the specific nuance each method carries.

Common error

While "woo with" is acceptable in various settings, overuse in formal documents or professional communications can make your writing seem overly familiar or informal. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "attract with" or "persuade with" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "woo with" functions as a verb phrase, where "woo" is the main verb and "with" introduces the means or instrument used to achieve the wooing. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

9%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "woo with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of trying to gain someone's affection, support, or favor through a specific means or strategy. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in wiki and business writing. Alternatives such as "attract with", "entice with", or "charm with" may be suitable depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When using "woo with", consider your audience and the register of your writing to ensure it aligns with your intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Court with

Specifically implies actively seeking someone's favor, often in a romantic context.

Charm with

Implies using personal qualities and grace to win over someone.

Entice with

Emphasizes the use of temptation or allurement to achieve a desired outcome.

Win over with

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

Attract with

Focuses more on the act of drawing someone or something in, often without the implication of active persuasion.

Tempt with

Focuses on presenting something appealing to create a desire or urge.

Persuade with

Highlights the use of logic and reasoning to convince someone.

Lure with

Suggests a deliberate attempt to draw someone or something into a specific situation, sometimes with negative implications.

Seduce with

Suggests a more subtle and often deceptive form of persuasion, often with romantic or manipulative undertones.

Influence with

Suggests using one's power or position to affect someone's decisions or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "woo with" to describe the act of trying to attract someone or something using a particular method. For example, "The company tried to "woo investors with" promises of high returns".

What does it mean to "woo" someone?

To "woo" someone means to try to gain their affection or support, often by using charm, flattery, or gifts. The phrase "woo with" specifies the means by which this attraction is attempted.

What are some alternatives to saying "woo with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "attract with", "entice with", or "charm with" instead of "woo with".

Is it appropriate to use "woo with" in a professional setting?

While generally acceptable, using "woo with" in a professional setting depends on the specific context and audience. It's often better to opt for more formal alternatives like "persuade with" or "influence with" in formal documents.