convince vs. persuade

[Mariuszkusz]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #267 "Gerund and Infinitive Practice (6)", question 8

I convinced my son and my wife ......... a little longer.

(a) stays
(b) to stay
(c) staying
(d) stay

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #267 "Gerund and Infinitive Practice (6)", answer 8

I convinced my son and my wife to stay a little longer.

Correct answer: (b) to stay

Your answer was: correct
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Hello,
This sentence is problematic to me. I was explained by Englishman that you can persuade someone to do something.
What is the difference and which sentence is correct?
Thanks

[Torsten]

You can convince or persuade someone to do something. Both verbs are very similar in meaning.

TOEIC listening, photographs: In the laboratory

[Mordant]

A very ancient "distinction" is that "convince" should be followed by "of" or "that" and that only "persuade" can precede "to." It does not reflect real usage, and it certainly doesn't appear to be very helpful. The idea is just as clear, and if you want to stress the strength of the persuasion, "convince" is a good way to do it. It is true that you might draw criticism from some or lose points if you use it in formal writing, where it is also prevalent.

[Torsten]

You might also want to read this: convince vs persuade

TOEIC listening, photographs: The earthmover

[Kati Svaby]

Hi

According to Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary:to convince+object direct+ verb in inf. This is used in the U.S. and it is the synonym of to persuade.

Can be a "rule" that "verb+object direct +verb" in this case the verb after the object direct is chiefly an infinitive? /with 'to' or without 'to'/?

Thanks:
Kati Svaby
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