as tempting as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as tempting as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging the allure of something while indicating a need to resist or consider other factors. Example: "As tempting as it is to indulge in dessert, I need to stick to my diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, as tempting as it is to try to combat lies with truth, Berinsky said that this strategy can backfire.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, as tempting as it is to believe that such a claim might succeed, we consider it unlikely.

The Guardian

And, as tempting as it is to root for the underdog, remember: Meryl Streep is the underdog.

The New Yorker

But, Rettberg continued, as tempting as it is to imagine that simply telling people what's good for them will change their minds, it doesn't work.

The New Yorker

Hooray for Fizzy Cup! Let's not get too carried away, though, as tempting as it is to point out that the end of Berahino's Akinbiyi-esque barren run coincided with Jamie Vardy announcing his retirement from England duty.

The Guardian - Sport

However, as tempting as it is, I won't trash talk her.

Huffington Post

And, as tempting as it is to succumb to emotional blackmail, I won't guilt my kids into choosing me over other family members or obligations.

Huffington Post

So as tempting as it is to hunker down and go into survival mode, we have to remember that we have a responsibility to young people to preserve their sense of stability and hope.

Los Angeles Times

Yet as tempting as it is to view such events as evil aberrations, they did not come out of nowhere.

Unicef

Try not to judge someone when you first meet them, as tempting as it is.

WikiHow

As tempting as it is to be flashy when taking a penalty, sometimes there is no need.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "as tempting as it is" to create a balanced tone when discussing choices, demonstrating understanding of the attractive qualities of one option before presenting an alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "as tempting as it is" without a clear contrasting clause. The phrase sets up an expectation that you will explain why the tempting option is not being chosen. Ensure you follow it with the rationale or alternative action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as tempting as it is" functions as an adverbial clause of concession. It introduces a statement that acknowledges the allure or attractiveness of something before presenting a contrasting or opposing idea. Ludwig examples show the phrase's versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as tempting as it is" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge the attractiveness of something while introducing a contrasting point or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you follow it with a clear explanation of why the tempting option is not being chosen. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "although it is appealing". By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "as tempting as it is" to create balanced and persuasive arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as seductive as it is

Replaces 'tempting' with 'seductive', emphasizing the allure in a more intense, often romantic or sensual way.

as alluring as it is

Substitutes 'tempting' with 'alluring', highlighting a captivating and enticing quality.

as inviting as it is

Replaces 'tempting' with 'inviting', focusing on the welcoming and appealing nature of something.

as appealing as it is

Swaps 'tempting' with 'appealing', indicating that something is attractive or agreeable.

though I'm inclined to

Uses 'inclined' to express the tendency to do something, implying a slight resistance or alternative consideration.

even if I want to

Uses 'even if' to concede the desire but suggests an opposing action or thought.

despite the urge to

Highlights the 'urge' and emphasizes that there's an impulse that's being resisted.

while it's nice to consider

Acknowledges the pleasantness of the consideration but hints at impracticality or an alternative.

however much I'd like to

Emphasizes the strength of the desire while implying a conflicting circumstance.

although it's attractive

Acknowledges the attractiveness, similar to tempting, but then contrasts this with another factor.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as tempting as it is" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "although it is appealing" or "notwithstanding its attraction". These options maintain the acknowledgment of allure but use more elevated language.

When is it appropriate to use "as tempting as it is" in writing?

Use "as tempting as it is" when you want to acknowledge the appeal of something but are about to explain why you are choosing a different path or course of action. It's effective in persuasive writing, decision-making explanations, and balanced arguments.

What's the difference between "as tempting as it is" and "although it seems desirable"?

"As tempting as it is" directly addresses the allurement of something, while "although it seems desirable" focuses more on the apparent or perceived desirability. The former implies a personal struggle with temptation, while the latter is a more objective assessment.

Can I use "as tempting as it is" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "as tempting as it is" can effectively start a sentence. It serves to immediately acknowledge the allure of something before presenting a contrasting idea or decision. For example, "As tempting as it is to skip the gym, I know I'll feel better if I go."