Persuade vs. Convince: What's the Difference? | English Grammar Guide

"Persuade" and "convince" are both English verbs with subtle differences in meaning and usage. "Persuade" means to "influence someone to do or believe something" by using arguments, reasoning, or other means. It emphasizes changing someone's actions or decisions. For example: "I tried to persuade my friend to go on a trip with me." "The politician used persuasive arguments to persuade voters to support him." "Convince" also means to "influence someone to do or believe something," but it emphasizes providing evidence or logic to make someone believe something. It focuses on changing someone's beliefs or opinions. For example: "I presented some compelling evidence to convince the jury of his innocence." "The teacher convinced the students that hard work leads to success." In essence, the difference between "persuade" and "convince" lies in the approach and focus. "Persuade" emphasizes changing actions or decisions through arguments or other means, while "convince" focuses on changing beliefs or opinions through evidence and logic.