give in to temptation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give in to temptation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who could not resist the urge to indulge in something they know may be wrong or unwise. For example: He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't help himself and eventually gave in to temptation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

If I don't somehow give in to temptation, I'll report back shortly.

The Guardian

Will Sturgess and Hathaway finally give in to temptation and come skinny-dipping with us?

The Guardian - Film

For me the most important mindapple is to give in to temptation at least once a day.

The Guardian

Asked whether he was being unrealistic by expecting players not to give in to temptation off the pitch, the England coach said: "Why?

The Guardian - Sport

They may give in to temptation and tune in to foreign radio ("enemy voices"), but these moments of weakness vitiate neither their pride in their work nor their code of honor.

The New York Times - Books

Sheik Sayed Askar, a member of the parliamentary committee on religious affairs, demanded the government take responsibility for fighting the product, which he said would make it easier for women to give in to temptation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

To give in to temptations.

The Guardian - Music

Our immediate desires to give in to temptations make it really challenging to resist them.

HuffPost

And Bellow quickly gave in to temptation.

The New York Times - Books

So no one will blame you for giving in to temptation and calling them hippies.

The New York Times - Arts

Like Odysseus passing the sirens, bankers need to be tied to a mast to stop them from giving in to temptation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ethical dilemmas, consider using "give in to temptation" to show a character's internal conflict and decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "give in to temptation" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone, depending on the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give in to temptation" functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure to resist a desire, urge, or enticement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its applicability in describing situations where one succumbs to something appealing but potentially harmful or unwise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give in to temptation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe succumbing to a desire, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage. While frequently found in News & Media and Wiki content, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using the phrase, consider the potential ethical implications and tailor your tone to suit the audience. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "succumb to temptation" or "yield to temptation" for a slightly more formal nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succumb to temptation

Replaces "give in" with "succumb", offering a more formal tone.

yield to temptation

Substitutes "give in" with "yield", suggesting a reluctant or passive surrender.

cave in to temptation

Uses "cave in" which implies that the resistance to temptation eventually collapses.

give way to desire

Similar to "yield", but slightly emphasizes the power of the desire itself.

resist no longer

Expresses the inability to continue resisting a desire.

surrender to the urge

Focuses on the act of surrendering to a specific urge or impulse.

lose the battle against desire

Conveys the sense of defeat in trying to control a strong urge.

be overcome by temptation

Emphasizes the overpowering nature of the temptation.

cannot resist

A direct statement of inability to resist, implying a lack of willpower.

fall prey to temptation

Suggests that the person is a victim of temptation, rather than actively choosing it.

FAQs

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

You can use "give in to temptation" to describe someone who yields to a desire, especially one that is considered wrong or unwise. For example, "Despite his diet, he decided to "give in to temptation" and have a slice of cake."

What are some alternatives to "give in to temptation"?

Alternatives include "succumb to temptation", "yield to temptation", or "cannot resist", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While often used negatively, "give in to temptation" can sometimes describe harmless indulgences. The context determines whether the action is viewed as detrimental or simply a minor deviation from a plan.

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

"Resist temptation" means to successfully fight off an urge, while ""give in to temptation"" means to surrender to it. They are direct opposites.