Persuade and convince mean almost the same thing, so the real trap here is not meaning, it is grammar. Each word wants a different structure after it.
Persuade is usually followed by "someone + to + verb." It focuses on getting someone to do something.
persuade full definition →
Convince is usually followed by "someone + that" or "someone + of." It focuses on getting someone to believe something.
convince full definition →
| persuade | convince | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical pattern | persuade someone to do something | convince someone that / of something |
| Main focus | Action | Belief |
| Simple test | "I persuaded him to go." | "I convinced him that it was safe." |
Persuade someone to do something. Convince someone that something is true. If "to + verb" follows, reach for persuade.
Save both words to GoVocab and review them until they stick.
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