give in to impulse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give in to impulse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of yielding to spontaneous desires or urges, often in the context of decision-making or behavior. Example: "Despite knowing it was a bad idea, she decided to give in to impulse and buy the expensive dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many of Friday's shoppers seemed to stick to lists and take advantage of discounts, rather than give in to impulse purchases.

The New York Times

Don't give in to impulse buys.

WikiHow

It's easy to give in to impulse buying if you see a good deal on something, even though you may not need it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It will lower your general inhibitory tone so you give in to impulses you wouldn't normally," says David.

Vice

JACK MENZ Westport, Conn., Nov. 10, 2012 To the Editor: David H. Petraeus gave in to impulse, ego, a personal need or whatever drives a man or woman to break a vow.

The New York Times

Finding the best pieces requires careful curating, research and a strategic approach, all without giving in to impulse buys, say fashion editors, stylists and executive image consultants.

BBC

By paying in advance, you can take advantage of an average of 10% off menu prices and more effectively budget your food expenditures, instead of giving in to impulse purchases.

BBC

This means recognizing the moments where you are struggling with self-control and, rather than giving in to impulse, taking a look at these strategies and giving them a go before you give in.

Huffington Post

This means recognizing the moments where you are struggling with self-control and, rather than giving in to impulse, taking a look at the Six Secrets and giving them a go before you give in.

Huffington Post

The worst thing to do at such a time is to give in to the impulse to act rashly.

The Guardian - Opinion

These passages salvage others, in which Keegan seems to give in to the impulse to pull down for the reader the goods that he or she expects.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before you "give in to impulse", pause and consider the potential consequences. This brief moment of reflection can help you make a more rational decision.

Common error

Don't use "give in to impulse" when describing decisions made after careful consideration. This phrase denotes a spontaneous action, not a deliberate one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give in to impulse" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of yielding to a sudden desire or urge. It describes the act of surrendering to a prompting, often without careful consideration. Ludwig AI validates this as correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give in to impulse" describes the act of yielding to a sudden urge or desire, often without much forethought. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase is not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "give in to impulse", consider whether it accurately reflects the spontaneity of the action you are describing and be mindful of the potential consequences of yielding to such urges. Alternatives such as "succumb to temptation" or "yield to desire" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give way to impulse

A more formal and less common variant of the original phrase.

succumb to temptation

Emphasizes the allure of something tempting, implying a moral struggle.

yield to desire

Focuses on the strength of the desire and the act of surrendering to it.

act on a whim

Highlights the spontaneity and lack of planning involved.

surrender to a craving

Specifically refers to giving in to a strong desire, often for something specific like food or a substance.

follow one's instincts

Suggests a reliance on intuition rather than conscious thought.

capitulate to an urge

A more formal and intense way of expressing surrender to a strong feeling.

lose control

Implies a lack of self-restraint and a potential for negative consequences.

abandon restraint

Highlights the conscious decision to disregard self-control.

cave in to pressure

Suggests external forces influencing the decision, rather than internal desires.

FAQs

How can I use "give in to impulse" in a sentence?

You can use "give in to impulse" to describe yielding to a sudden urge or desire, as in "I knew I shouldn't, but I decided to "give in to impulse" and buy the chocolate cake".

What's the difference between "give in to impulse" and "succumb to temptation"?

"Give in to impulse" generally refers to a spontaneous action, while "succumb to temptation" often implies a struggle against something perceived as morally wrong or undesirable.

What can I say instead of ""give in to impulse""?

Alternatives to ""give in to impulse"" include "yield to desire", "act on a whim", or "follow one's instincts", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to ""give in to impulse""?

Not necessarily. While ""give in to impulse"" can lead to negative outcomes like overspending, it can also result in positive experiences like trying something new or being more spontaneous.