free indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "free indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is allowed to indulge in something without restrictions or costs. Example: "During the festival, attendees enjoyed free indulgence in various culinary delights offered by local vendors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The same explanation holds for the Qurʾānic criticism of a certain kind of poetry namely, free indulgence in extravagant image mongering: "They [poets] recklessly wander in every valley" (26:265).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If health concerns sometimes make you feel guilty about loving bacon... relax...yes, it's high in sodium and fat, but if eaten in moderation or used as a flavoring agent... it is a guilt free indulgence," writes Villas.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Religious leaders leverage this guilt in terms that last much longer than a news cycle, and while Johannes Tetzel isn't around to sell "Get out of Hell Free" indulgences these days, the idea that religious leaders can and should wield eternal authority is as recent as this weeks news.

Huffington Post

Result: the babyccino, a foamy, caffeine-free indulgence for tots.

The New York Times

These images could help answer a timely question: Do nuts really merit the hype they've been getting as a guilt-free indulgence?

The New York Times - Food

And as tough as it is to resist the temptation of a protein-packed, and therefore guilt-free, indulgence, we have to look past the claims on the front of the label.

The Washington Post

Thankfully, the days of dining on rare game meats have passed, though you can still enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of farm-raised ostrich steaks and crocodile filets.

BBC

The no-sugar-added chocolate bars and chocolate chips are great for baking and snacking, and some new varieties have taken guilt-free indulgence to the next level.

Forbes

Choose certified organic chocolate to ensure that you are treating yourself to a pesticide-free indulgence.

Huffington Post

Guilt-free indulgences.

Forbes

So how do such authoritative performances, so spontaneous, yet so free of self-indulgence, arise out of such despair?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "unrestricted indulgence" or "complete freedom to indulge" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid assuming "free indulgence" always implies ethical or moral permissiveness. Clarify the nature of the freedom being granted to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free indulgence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "free" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "indulgence". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes the state of being allowed to partake in something without restrictions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "free indulgence" is a phrase used to describe the act of enjoying something without restrictions or costs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct but relatively rare. It's primarily found in encyclopedias, wikis, and news media, with a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify the type of freedom being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "unrestricted indulgence" and "limitless indulgence". While grammatically sound, it is best to assess context and audience to ensure the phrase is used in a way that is both clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrestricted indulgence

Emphasizes the absence of limitations on the indulgence.

limitless indulgence

Highlights that there are no bounds to the indulgence.

unfettered self-indulgence

Specifically refers to indulgence focused on oneself, without restraint.

complete license

Stresses the permission aspect of the indulgence.

full liberty

Highlights the freedom to indulge as one pleases.

total abandon

Suggests a carefree and unrestrained approach to indulgence.

carte blanche

Implies unrestricted authority and freedom to indulge.

open season

Indicates that there are no restrictions or limitations in place.

no holds barred

Highlights that all forms of indulgence are permitted.

free rein

Signifies having complete control and freedom to indulge without interference.

FAQs

How can "free indulgence" be used in a sentence?

You can use "free indulgence" to describe situations where someone is allowed to enjoy something without limitations. For example, "During the festival, attendees enjoyed a "free indulgence" in various culinary delights offered by local vendors."

What are some alternatives to "free indulgence"?

Alternatives include "unrestricted indulgence", "limitless indulgence", or "unfettered self-indulgence", depending on the context.

Does "free indulgence" always imply a positive connotation?

Not necessarily. While it suggests freedom and permissiveness, the overall connotation depends on what is being indulged in. It can be positive (e.g., culinary delights) or negative (e.g., reckless behavior).

What is the difference between ""free indulgence"" and "self-indulgence"?

"Free indulgence" implies that the indulgence is permitted or given without cost or restriction, while "self-indulgence" refers specifically to indulging one's own desires, often without regard for others.