Lull Someone Into Doing vs. Lull Someone To Do
Oxford directly documents “lull somebody into doing something” for causing someone to feel safe enough to stop being careful. The cited entry directly supports into + -ing; it does not establish lull + object + to-infinitive as an equivalent complement pattern.
Use “lull someone into doing” for the directly documented pattern; do not infer equal support for “lull someone to do.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| cause someone gradually to enter a state/action through reassurance or reduced alertness | lull someone into + -ing | Use the directly documented pattern. |
| bare “lull someone to do” for the same sense | not the documented equivalent | Do not substitute it automatically. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you naming the action or state someone is gradually drawn into?
If yes: Use “lull someone into + -ing.”
If no: If a different sense is intended, check that separate construction rather than assuming “to do.”
Caveat: The guide follows the directly documented complement pattern and does not infer equal support for “lull someone to do.”
Examples
The calm start lulled investors into ignoring the later risk.
“Into + -ing” names the resulting action.
The routine lulled him into thinking the task was effortless.
The construction shows a gradual false sense of security.
Soft music lulled the baby into sleeping.
The pattern names the state/action entered.
Further guidance
Boundary
The cited entry directly supports into + -ing; it does not establish lull + object + to-infinitive as an equivalent complement pattern.
Construction
Oxford directly documents “lull somebody into doing something” for causing someone to feel safe enough to stop being careful.
Decision
Use “lull someone into doing” for the directly documented pattern; do not infer equal support for “lull someone to do.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- lull into — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary · Direct construction evidence for lull somebody into doing something