it can be tempting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be tempting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where someone might feel an urge or desire to do something, often something that may not be advisable. Example: "When faced with a difficult decision, it can be tempting to take the easy way out instead of considering the long-term consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can be tempting to wonder if we still have room for leaders like Tom".

The New York Times

Yet, it can be tempting to make Wikipedia or Google the default for research.

The Guardian

It can be tempting to get rid of an old credit card that is rarely used.

The Washington Post

When we cannot address the underlying situation, it can be tempting to try to push away our meta-emotions.

University of California, Berkeley

When you do incorporate sources, it can be tempting to use only quotations that support your own ideas.

Yale University

In our time-starved lives it can be tempting to give our finances short shrift.

Forbes

It can be tempting to get defensive when a client or customer criticizes your work.

Forbes

It can be tempting to try to achieve everything at once.

Forbes

Despite the gloomy outlook, it can be tempting to keep going.

Forbes

When running a business, it can be tempting to cut costs by managing the finances yourself.

Forbes

When they preach a certain gospel, it can be tempting to plug your ears.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be tempting", follow it with a clear explanation of why the tempting action should be avoided. Providing context and potential pitfalls makes your advice more persuasive and valuable.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is tempting without offering alternative solutions or strategies. Readers appreciate actionable advice, not just identification of a potential pitfall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be tempting" functions as an introductory expression that sets the stage for presenting a potentially undesirable course of action. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a scenario where someone might experience a strong urge to do something, though it may not be advisable. The phrase acts as a qualifier before presenting the reasons why that action should be avoided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be tempting" is a versatile introductory expression used to highlight the attractiveness of a potentially unwise decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When using "it can be tempting", it's essential to provide context, explain the potential downsides of the tempting action, and offer alternative solutions. This approach adds value to your writing and helps readers make more informed decisions. Related phrases, like "it may be alluring" or "one might be inclined to", offer nuanced alternatives. Steer clear of simply pointing out the temptation without offering a better path forward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be alluring

Changes the verb "can" to "may" for a slightly softer tone and uses "alluring" instead of "tempting" to emphasize attractiveness.

it might be enticing

Replaces "can" with "might", suggesting a lower probability, and uses "enticing" to highlight the attractive qualities of the action.

one might be inclined to

Uses a more formal tone with "one might be inclined" to express a tendency towards something.

the urge may be to

Focuses on the feeling of a strong desire using "urge" instead of potential action.

the desire could be to

Highlights the emotional aspect with "desire" and uses "could" for a sense of possibility.

it is easy to want to

Shifts the focus to the ease of wanting something, rather than the temptation itself.

you might be drawn to

Emphasizes attraction using the phrasal verb "drawn to" instead of temptation.

it is almost irresistible to

Strengthens the idea of temptation by suggesting it's difficult to resist.

it's hard not to

Highlights the difficulty in avoiding a particular action.

the pull towards something is strong

Uses figurative language "pull" to represent the strength of the temptation.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be tempting" in a sentence?

Use "it can be tempting" to introduce an action that seems appealing but might have negative consequences. For example: "When stressed, "it can be tempting" to skip your workout, but exercise can actually reduce stress".

What phrases are similar to "it can be tempting"?

Similar phrases include "it may be alluring", "it might be enticing", or "one might be inclined to", each with subtle differences in tone and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "it can be tempting" in writing?

It's appropriate when discussing a situation where someone might feel a strong urge or desire to do something, especially if that action is not the best choice. It sets up a contrast between immediate gratification and potentially better long-term outcomes.

What's the difference between "it can be tempting" and "it is tempting"?

"It can be tempting" suggests a possibility or common inclination, while "it is tempting" states that something is, in fact, tempting in a particular situation. The former is more general, the latter more direct and situational.