as an indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done for pleasure or enjoyment, often at the expense of practicality or necessity. Example: "I decided to treat myself to a fancy dinner as an indulgence after a long week of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

AMY BERNSTEIN: And it shouldn't be viewed as an indulgence.

Harvard Business Review

Ms. Peláez hadn't done much cooking in college: "I thought of it as an indulgence".

The New York Times - Food

But the sublimity of the images works as an indulgence of the violence".

Independent

I looked down on sleep as an indulgence for the indolent.

The New York Times - Magazine

He described political polarization as "an indulgence" that the Senate could not afford.

The New York Times

Such operettas remain current in today's musical theatre mainly as an indulgence of musical and emotional nostalgia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Yogurt is a fairly innocuous substance, occupying the midpoint between milk and cheese on the dairy spectrum, without being considered as much a staple as the former or as much of an indulgence as the latter.

The Guardian

Hall had once assessed James's "Principles of Psychology" as, mainly, an indulgence: magnificent, impressionistic, and unscientific.

The New Yorker

In the 50s, the RWS was seen as something of an indulgence.

The Guardian - Music

But some of my runner friends find their teeth aching at the mere thought of an indulgence as sweet as that.

Huffington Post

Milk chocolate was left behind, dismissed as child's play, an indulgence in sweetness and nostalgia.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an indulgence", consider the connotations of the word 'indulgence'. Ensure it aligns with the intended tone and doesn't imply excessive or irresponsible behavior. Think if other alternatives such as "as a treat" might be a more suitable option.

Common error

While "as an indulgence" is correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "as a luxury" or "as a special treat" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an indulgence" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the purpose or reason for an action or the characterization of something. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Unknown

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an indulgence" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that characterizes something as a non-essential pleasure or luxury. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various reputable sources, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, its precise connotation depends on the context, and writers should consider alternatives like "as a treat" or "as a luxury" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a luxury

Emphasizes the expensiveness or rarity of the item or activity.

as a treat

Highlights the pleasurable and rewarding nature of the action or item.

as a perk

Suggests a benefit that is not essential but adds value.

as a guilty pleasure

Implies enjoyment despite knowing it might not be good or justifiable.

as a splurge

Focuses on the act of spending money on something unnecessary.

as a decadence

Implies excessive self-indulgence and luxuriousness.

as a vice

Suggests a habit or activity that is considered immoral or harmful but is still enjoyed.

as a non-essential

Highlights the lack of necessity, focusing on the optional nature.

as something extra

Emphasizes that the item/activity is beyond what is needed or expected.

as a little extra

Same as above, but it emphasizes that is not much

FAQs

How can I use "as an indulgence" in a sentence?

You can use "as an indulgence" to describe something that is enjoyed for pleasure, often something not essential. For example, "She viewed the massage "as an indulgence" after a stressful week".

What can I say instead of "as an indulgence"?

Alternatives include "as a treat", "as a luxury", or "as a splurge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "as an indulgence"?

Not necessarily. While "indulgence" can sometimes imply excess, it often simply means something enjoyed for pleasure. The connotation depends on the context.

How does "as an indulgence" differ from "as a necessity"?

"As an indulgence" describes something optional and pleasurable, while "as a necessity" describes something essential and required. They are essentially opposites.