succumb to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "succumb to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate yielding or giving in to something, often a negative influence or pressure. Example: "After weeks of resisting the temptation, she finally succumbed to the allure of the new smartphone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some players succumb to pressure.

The New York Times

Don't succumb to the knife!

Independent

I might succumb to it.

The New York Times - Food

More governors may succumb to the arithmetic.

The Economist

Or banks can simply succumb to neglect.

The New Yorker

"I won't succumb to this temptation.

The New York Times

He does not succumb to doubt.

The New Yorker

We will not succumb to their prejudice.

The Guardian

They succumb to Hollywood clichés.

The New York Times

"I didn't want to succumb to nostalgia".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even she succumbed to it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "succumb to" when you want to emphasize the act of yielding to something negative or difficult to resist, such as temptation, pressure, or illness.

Common error

Avoid using "succumb to" in contexts where the yielding is positive or desirable. Instead, use phrases like "embrace", "adopt", or "welcome" to indicate a positive acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "succumb to" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of yielding or giving way to pressure, temptation, or some other negative force. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "succumb to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that signifies yielding or giving in to something, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's frequently found in News & Media, scientific articles, and general writing. It is important to avoid using "succumb to" in positive contexts. Alternatives like ""give in to"" or ""yield to"" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the desired emphasis. When aiming for clarity and precision in your writing, understanding the context and connotations of "succumb to" is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give in to

Focuses on the action of yielding or surrendering to a force or desire.

yield to

Implies a formal or reluctant submission to pressure or influence.

surrender to

Suggests a complete and often unwilling submission to a superior force or influence.

submit to

Indicates accepting someone else's authority or control.

fall prey to

Highlights being a victim of something, often a negative influence or danger.

be overcome by

Emphasizes being defeated or incapacitated by a feeling or force.

bow to

Implies a respectful or obligatory yielding to something.

acquiesce to

Suggests reluctantly agreeing to something without protest.

capitulate to

Indicates a final and decisive surrender after resistance.

defer to

Implies yielding to someone else's judgment or authority.

FAQs

How can I use "succumb to" in a sentence?

You can use "succumb to" to describe yielding to something negative or difficult to resist. For example, "Many people "succumb to temptation" when they are stressed."

What are some alternatives to "succumb to"?

Alternatives include "give in to", "yield to", "surrender to", or "fall prey to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "succumbed with" something instead of "succumbed to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "succumb" is "to". Saying someone "succumbed with" something is grammatically incorrect. Always use "succumb to".

What's the difference between "succumb to" and "submit to"?

"Succumb to" often implies a negative connotation, suggesting defeat or weakness in yielding. "Submit to", on the other hand, can be more neutral, simply indicating acceptance of authority or a situation without necessarily implying defeat.