indulge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indulge" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a person enjoying something, usually something that is pleasurable or enjoyable. For example: "She indulged in a hot bubble bath after a long day at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But any irony involved in a coalition government that came to power pledging to scrap identity cards introducing a system of foreign residence permits will be lost as the political parties indulge in "a race to the bottom" over immigration.

The Guardian

Asked if Bueno should go to the national team, he grinned and grin that said don't be daft but let's indulge that for today.

The Guardian - Sport

From endless parties and family gatherings you feel obligated to attend, to the rich foods you regrettably indulge in, and the expensive presents you feel compelled to purchase but can't afford, it's a time of year engineered for consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Labour loses an election there is a tendency on the left to first indulge in the wisdom of hindsight, and then to project the party's failures eternally into the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the trams had stopped and there was no one to be seen, he decided to indulge himself and began skipping down the road with three dangerous words on his lips.

The Guardian

The more they indulge in these tactics the better we should feel".

The Guardian

For the beautifully-shot Anton Corbijn-directed video (there's also an interactive experience available if you're interested), the band don some giant papier mache heads and indulge in some slightly hard to follow crime caper that involves a man dressed entirely in a suit made of broken mirrors.

The Guardian - Music

His study was dubbed the Richard Tauber Suite, and he and I would sit there, post-prandially, to indulge our worship of the great tenor's early scratchy recordings.

The Guardian

Even then, they indulge in the age-old practice of what Churchill called "terminological inexactitude".

The Guardian

It is not so long since he was castigating Miliband for, er, wanting to interfere with the sacred freedom of energy companies to indulge in naked profiteering.

The Guardian

(Non-contenders can indulge in the luxury of pure xenophobia).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indulge", consider the connotation. It often implies a pleasurable experience, but can also suggest excess or a lack of restraint. Use it when you want to convey the enjoyment of something, even if it's slightly decadent.

Common error

While "indulge" is widely accepted, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly casual or suggestive of excess. Opt for more neutral verbs like "enjoy" or "experience" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indulge" is as a verb. It describes the act of allowing oneself or another to enjoy something pleasurable. Ludwig AI shows this verb is used in various tenses and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Travel

14%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Opinion

9%

Sport

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indulge" is a versatile verb indicating the act of allowing oneself or others to enjoy something pleasurable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in contexts like news, travel, and lifestyle. While generally neutral to informal, writers should consider the connotation of excess when using "indulge" in formal settings. Related phrases include "treat yourself", "satisfy a craving", and "give in to temptation". Being mindful of these nuances ensures effective and appropriate use of "indulge" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treat yourself

This alternative places more emphasis on self-care and personal enjoyment.

give in to temptation

This phrase highlights the act of surrendering to a desire, often one that is considered slightly wrong or unhealthy.

satisfy a craving

This emphasizes the fulfillment of a strong desire, particularly for food or other sensory pleasures.

enjoy without restraint

This suggests a lack of limitations or boundaries when experiencing pleasure.

yield to desire

Similar to "give in to temptation", this phrase focuses on surrendering to a strong feeling or wish.

gratify your senses

This focuses on pleasing the physical senses through enjoyable experiences.

pamper yourself

This suggests treating oneself with luxury and care, often to relax and rejuvenate.

revel in

This implies taking great pleasure or delight in something.

bask in

Similar to "revel in", this suggests enjoying something warm and pleasant, like praise or attention.

wallow in

This suggests immersing oneself completely in an experience, often a negative emotion or a guilty pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "indulge" in a sentence?

You can use "indulge" to describe enjoying something pleasurable, like "I "indulge" in a good book on weekends" or to describe satisfying someone's desires, like "Grandma likes to "indulge" the children with sweets".

What can I say instead of "indulge"?

You can use alternatives like "treat yourself", "satisfy a craving", or "give in to temptation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "indulge myself"?

Yes, "indulge myself" is a common and correct reflexive usage of ""indulge"", indicating that you are allowing yourself to enjoy something pleasurable.

What's the difference between "indulge" and "spoil"?

"Indulge" typically implies allowing oneself or others to enjoy something pleasurable. "Spoil" often suggests excessive indulgence, potentially leading to negative consequences like becoming demanding or unappreciative.