Writing Tip 73: “Convince” vs. “Persuade”
I try to be convincing here on this blog—persuasive that grammar is indeed important. Have I convinced you, dear reader? Hopefully. Have I persuaded you? No. Trick question.
Though most people seem to use them interchangeably, “to convince” and “to persuade” should be used in different situations. The difference is all about what someone is being convinced of or persuaded to do. My word choice is intentional there. You convince someone of an idea. You persuade someone to take some sort of action.