Definition

Verb: - To persuade or convince someone to do something they may be hesitant or unwilling to do. It involves using arguments, reasoning, or encouragement to change someone's mind and get them to agree to a specific action.

Usage

This verb is transitive and requires both a direct object (the person being persuaded) and the action they are being persuaded to do, typically introduced by the preposition "to" or expressed as a gerund (verb+ing). - Structure: talk [someone] into [something/doing something] - It implies a process of discussion or coaxing that leads to agreement.

Examples

• (I persuaded her to agree to join the committee.)
• (He attempted to convince his parents to purchase a new bike for him.)
• (Do not allow them to persuade you to make a decision you will later be sorry about.)

Advanced Usage

• Negotiation Context: Often used in contexts involving negotiation, sales, or personal influence.
  • The salesperson talked the customer into the more expensive model.
• Implied Reluctance: The construction often hints that the person needed some persuasion; they were not immediately willing.
  • She was nervous about the trip, but we finally talked her into it.

Variants and Related Words

• Talk out of (Phrasal Verb): The direct opposite, meaning to persuade someone to do something.
  • I talked him out of quitting his job.
• Persuade (Verb): A more general synonym.
• Convince (Verb): Similar, but can sometimes imply changing a belief rather than prompting an action.
• Coax (Verb): To persuade gently or patiently.

Synonyms

• Persuade
• Convince
• Coax
• Influence
• Win over

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Talk around/round to: To gradually approach a subject in conversation, often as a strategy before trying to persuade.
  • He talked around to the idea of a loan before finally asking for one.
• Talk over: To discuss something thoroughly.
  • Let's talk over the proposal before you decide.

Related Idioms

• Sweet-talk someone into something: To use flattery or very charming speech to persuade someone.
  • He sweet-talked her into giving him a second chance.
• Talk someone's ear off: To talk to someone for a long time, often excessively. (While not directly about persuasion, it can be part of a prolonged "talking into" effort.)
  • He talked my ear off trying to get me to invest.

Verb

1. persuade somebody to do something