highly tempted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly tempted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or inclination to do something, often something that may be considered wrong or unwise. Example: "I was highly tempted to indulge in dessert after dinner, even though I was trying to stick to my diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He must have been highly tempted to pick it up and throw it in front of the umpire as an act of surrender.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To develop efficient, cost effective, and automatic means and tools for software testing is thus highly tempting for software industry.

Applied Soft Computing

As noted, such a doctrine is highly tempting in the present case: that is, what distinguishes spacetime from stuff in it is that spacetime is a kind of substance with a different essential nature than its occupiers.

SEP

Concerned parent Susannah tries instead to engage him with real issues – such as Syria – but George is tempted by a highly technological creative approach that leads to catastrophe for his students.

The Guardian - Music

The pendulum is swinging the other direction after last year's move toward simplicity, with the iPhone SE and minimalist MacBook; Apple intends to entice "pro" users who may have been tempted by the highly capable Surface Book.

TechCrunch

"In a highly mobilised society, whoever potentially could be tempted to protest has done so already; economic hardships are unlikely to draw many more to the streets".

BBC

He describes -- in an incisive, if occasionally distracting, psychological approach -- a highly complex person who incarnated the duality that later tempted Germany into efforts beyond its capacity.

The New York Times

With an incisive psychological approach, Steinberg describes a highly complex man who incarnated the duality that later tempted Germany into efforts beyond its capacity.

The New York Times

While Love is going through the government route to the mastectomy, they are tempted to save up the money for a highly skilled surgeon outside of the public healthcare system.

Vice

Although highly speculative, it is tempting to suggest that enhancing pathways that promote autophagy in humans might delay age-related diseases by promoting a healthy pool of viable mitochondria in neuronal cells, sustaining energy demands and efficiently buffering intracellular calcium levels.

Cell Death and Differentiation

As a restaurant critic, I'm very tempted to get along to the Poundcafé in Kirkby to try their highly popular new £1 breakfast.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly tempted", consider the nuance you want to convey. It suggests a strong inclination that may or may not be acted upon. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "highly tempted" when a milder expression like "somewhat interested" or "mildly curious" would be more accurate. Overstating the temptation can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly tempted" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject. It describes the intensity of the temptation experienced by that subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a strong desire or inclination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly tempted" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adjectival phrase used to express a strong inclination or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it appears in various contexts, it is most frequently found in news articles and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider the degree of temptation you wish to convey and whether a stronger or milder expression might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "sorely tempted" or "strongly inclined" may offer a better fit depending on the specific nuance you intend to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorely tempted

Emphasizes the intensity of the temptation, indicating a significant struggle against the desire.

strongly inclined

This alternative focuses on the inclination aspect, suggesting a leaning towards a particular action or decision.

strongly drawn

Similar to 'powerfully drawn', but less forceful and more about internal desire.

greatly enticed

Highlights the attractiveness of the object or action causing the temptation.

powerfully drawn

Suggests a compelling force pulling one towards the tempting option.

much inclined

A more formal way of expressing a strong inclination.

very allured

Similar to 'enticed' but puts stress on the attractiveness of something.

deeply attracted

Focuses on the appeal and desirability of the tempting thing.

very keen

Expresses a strong desire or enthusiasm, similar to being tempted.

keenly interested

Downplays the 'temptation' aspect, focusing instead on strong interest.

FAQs

How can I use "highly tempted" in a sentence?

You can use "highly tempted" to express a strong desire or inclination to do something. For example, "I was highly tempted to skip the meeting and go to the beach instead".

What are some alternatives to saying "highly tempted"?

Alternatives include "strongly inclined", "sorely tempted", or "greatly enticed", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "highly tempted"?

Yes, "highly tempted" is grammatically correct. The adverb "highly" correctly modifies the adjective "tempted".

What's the difference between "highly tempted" and "slightly tempted"?

"Highly tempted" suggests a strong pull or desire, while "slightly tempted" indicates a weaker inclination. The degree of desire is the key difference.