persuade */*/*/

UK [pə(r)ˈsweɪd] / US [pərˈsweɪd] verb [transitive]
Word forms "persuade":
present tense I/you/we/they persuade he/she/it persuades present participle persuading past tense persuaded past participle persuaded

Ways of persuading someone to do/not do something:

It might be a good idea if/It might be better if → a polite way of persuading someone Why don't you think about/Have you ever thought about → a polite and indirect way of persuading someone Please → an informal way of persuading someone when you really want them to do something Go on/Go for it → an informal way of persuading someone to make an effort to achieve something I'd/We'd really like you to → a strong but polite way of persuading someone I think you should → a strong and direct way of persuading someone I'd prefer it if you didn't → a polite but forceful way of persuading someone not to do something I/We would appreciate it if → a polite way of persuading someone to do or not do something, usually when you are slightly annoyed with them
Examples:
You know, it might be better if you let Maggie drive from now on. You're looking tired. Why don't you think about taking three weeks' holiday instead of two? It might do you good. Oh, go on, please come to the party! I don't want to go without you. Go on, try again. You nearly did it that time. ♦ Look, it's a great opportunity and you may not get another chance – go for it! We'd really like you to come with us to France. ♦ I think you should forget about the whole thing and just get on with doing your job. I'd really prefer it if you didn't put your feet on the sofa. I would appreciate it if you would stop putting your rubbish in our bin.

1)

a) to make someone agree to do something by giving them reasons why they should

He did finally come with us, although it took a long time to persuade him.

persuade someone to do something:

Nobody could persuade her to change her mind.

b) to cause someone to do something by being a good reason for doing it

persuade someone to do something:

What persuaded you to accept the job?

2) to make someone believe that something is true

Their argument failed to persuade me.

persuade someone (that):

I managed to persuade him that it was not his fault.

persuade someone of something:

There was no way she could persuade him of her innocence.