be tempted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be tempted to' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is likely to do something or has a strong desire to do something, usually because it is especially attractive or appealing. For example, "The delicious smell of freshly-baked cookies made me tempted to eat them all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or she would be tempted to drive.

The New York Times

O.K., you may be tempted to say.

The New York Times - Books

They might even be tempted to retaliate.

The Economist

She might now be tempted to renege.

The Economist

Rail passengers could be tempted to switch.

Independent

Hurrah!, you might be tempted to say.

The Guardian - Arts

Don't be tempted to overwork.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You'll be tempted to go surfing".

The New York Times

Many would be tempted to return home.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They won't be tempted to rush.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You may be tempted to dance.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be tempted to", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is causing the temptation. This provides context and makes the sentence more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "be tempted to" without specifying the source of temptation. This can lead to vagueness and confusion about what's influencing the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be tempted to" functions as a modal expression indicating a likelihood or inclination towards a certain action. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be tempted to" is a common and correct expression used to convey a likelihood or inclination towards a specific action, often implying a struggle against that desire. It is versatile and found across various contexts, but most frequently in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of temptation to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel inclined to

Focuses on the internal feeling of wanting to do something, rather than external enticement.

be drawn to

Emphasizes the attractiveness of something that makes one want to approach or engage with it.

be inclined to

Highlights a predisposition towards a certain action or belief, implying a natural tendency.

have a desire to

Directly expresses the wanting to do something, without necessarily implying external pressure.

find it hard to resist

Focuses on the difficulty in opposing the urge, stressing the strength of the temptation.

be prone to

Suggests a vulnerability or susceptibility to a particular action or influence.

be susceptible to

Indicates a lack of resistance to an attraction, emphasizing the ease with which one can be swayed.

have a proclivity for

Refers to a natural inclination or predisposition, often something inherent or habitual.

be predisposed to

Describes a pre-existing tendency or likelihood to behave in a certain way.

gravitate toward

Implies a natural movement or attraction towards something, often due to its appeal.

FAQs

How can I use "be tempted to" in a sentence?

Use "be tempted to" to describe a situation where someone is likely to do something, often something that they know they shouldn't. For example, "I might "be tempted to" skip my workout today."

What's the difference between "be tempted to" and "want to"?

"Be tempted to" suggests a stronger pull or urge, often towards something that is considered slightly wrong or indulgent. "Want to" is a more general expression of desire.

Which is correct: "I am tempted to go" or "I tempted to go"?

"I am tempted to go" is the correct form. "Be tempted to" requires a form of the verb 'to be' before 'tempted'.

What are some alternatives to "be tempted to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "feel inclined to", "be drawn to", or "have a desire to".