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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #105346: To talk someone into / out of doing something ...
    > Other English exercises on the same topics: Idioms | To have someone do something [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - 'Make someone do'/'Have something done': (a little further) - Causative clauses: making someone do something - Make someone do/ Be made to do - Causative clauses and passive form with Have - Causatives - Causative clauses - Causative Form - Have something done
    > Double-click on words you don't understand


    To talk someone into / out of doing something ...


      TO TALK SOMEONE      INTO/OUT OF   DOING SOMETHING

    Here's a very idiomatic expression which isn't spontaneously used by foreigners ...

    I do my best to teach it as it is, but for months now, I've had the opportunity to hear 'new forms' of it ( to threaten into, to blackmail into, and ... to kiss into) ... and I did even hear one yesterday ! = a sign !

    Besides, and this happens more and more often, I can hear this same expression on the radio, on TV, in fictions, (both British and American) using more original and precise forms of the structure ... Therefore, I went hunting for these new forms in grammars and dictionaries ... but couldn't find any of the answers I was expecting. Consequently, I  turned to several Forums on famous sites where I am a member and used to writing. Both British and American Natives answered, confirmed the usage and advised me 'to be 'brave' ' and not to hesitate to use these forms although they may not be in the dictionaries yet ... but are heard and wouldn't make them wince ... Therefore, I'll be  'brave, but not reckless' , just to be sure I remain within the limits of what is said, or could be said, and therefore, reliable ... 

    'My Mom talked me into inviting Paula to come to my party.'

    If we're trying to persuade the subject to do the action, this expression is built as follows: Subject + verb someone into + doing something

    ex : ' She talked herself into making the dive' (Here, the person who convinces and that who is convincing is the same !)

    ex : 'The policeman bludgeoned the protester into submission' (or 'into submitting' to the police) :Sujet + verbe someone into + nom 

                             *** If we persuade the subject not to do some precise thing, the sentence becomes : Sujet + verbe someone  out of doing

    ex : I talked him out of resisting ; Her husband talked her out of making this risky dive.

    Here, INTO DOING indicates the action that the person is persuaded to do (to submit to the police). The main VERB following the subject of the sentence indicates the WAY used to reach this aim. (to bludgeon = to hit with a club)

    Similarly, OUT OF DOING indicates the action that the person is persuaded not to do (resisting - making a risky dive). The main VERB insists on the WAY used to reach this goal. (to talk).

    I can't help being filled with wonder in front of a language that gives so much freedom and allows so much creativity ... as long as grammar and fast-evolving usage are respected, of course !

    In the following exercise, all the sentences have been approved of by Anglo-Saxons .



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    English exercise "To talk someone into / out of doing something ..." created by here4u with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from here4u]
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    1. Patricia's mother talked with such arguments that her daughter didn't resign... >>

    2. Though he doesn't particularly appreciate classical music, Jenny cajoled Chris, and he went to the concert. >>


    3. The dishonest salesman tricked the businessman so that he paid him out a lot of money...>>

    4. The candidate argued with his constituents so that they didn't vote for his opponent ! >>

    5. Nicholas bullied his schoolmate Olie so much that she gave him her packed lunch ! >>

    6. Paul's wife persuaded him so that he refused his promotion and relocation. >>

    7. The burglars threatened the shopkeeper, so that he gave them all his money ! >>

    8. She talked with her sister Jane so much, that Jane didn't confess her love to her new boyfriend. >>

    9. The thieves beat the bank manager, so that he opened the safe... >>


    10. Dad scared his little boy so much that he confessed his lie ! >>











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