succumb to temptation

USAGE SUMMARY

'succumb to temptation' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to giving in to a temptation to do something that is wrong or not wise. Example sentence: Despite her best efforts, she eventually succumbed to temptation and indulged in the forbidden dessert.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The game is who will succumb to temptation.

The New York Times

Private firms, however, have been more likely to succumb to temptation.

The Economist

To our knowledge, this is the first rigorous demonstration that one need not succumb to temptation in order for it to detrimentally impact one's economic productivity.

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

It does not require a great deal of imagination to see why they might succumb to temptation.

The Guardian

Biting is forbidden, and the fight is broken up if the camels succumb to temptation – most are well-trained.

The Guardian - Travel

And there's a lot of blogging to do, so very occasionally I will succumb to temptation and peek at the answers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Scott and others have been known to succumb to temptations like these after Sunday services.

The New York Times

A Harvard Business School study found that people ordering goods for delivery in a few days' time were less likely to succumb to temptations such as ice cream.

The Economist

Certain individuals succumb to temptations and compromise their ethical values in this grey area.

Forbes

Like politicians and baseball players, wine writers aren't infallible, and they too succumb to temptations.

Huffington Post

Le knows this and succumbs to temptation.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "succumb to temptation" to illustrate character flaws, moral dilemmas or situations where individuals or entities face difficult choices between right and wrong.

Common error

Avoid using "succumb to temptation" to describe active or intentional pursuits of wrongdoing. The phrase implies a yielding or giving in, not an active seeking out of the temptation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "succumb to temptation" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of yielding to a desire or urge, often one that is considered unwise or morally wrong. Ludwig shows various instances of it in use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "succumb to temptation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe yielding to a desire, often against one's better judgment. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also in scientific and academic contexts, the phrase serves to illustrate moral and ethical failures or weaknesses. Closely related phrases include "give in to temptation" and "yield to temptation", though nuances exist. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific temptation and its consequences. While prevalent, it's essential to avoid using it to depict active, intentional wrongdoing. Overall, it's a useful phrase for illustrating complex human behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give in to temptation

This alternative is a more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of yielding.

yield to temptation

Similar to "give in", this suggests a passive acceptance of the temptation.

fall prey to temptation

This implies a sense of vulnerability and being victimized by temptation.

surrender to temptation

Suggests a complete and willing abandonment to the temptation.

cave in to temptation

This alternative indicates a collapse under the pressure of temptation.

be overcome by temptation

Emphasizes the overpowering nature of the temptation.

lose the battle against temptation

Frames the situation as a struggle that ends in defeat.

cannot resist temptation

Highlights the inability to oppose the tempting force.

prove susceptible to temptation

Suggests an inherent vulnerability or weakness towards temptation.

go astray

This is a more metaphorical way of suggesting yielding to temptation and deviating from the correct path.

FAQs

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

You can use "succumb to temptation" to describe someone giving in to a desire they were trying to resist. For example, "Despite his diet, he "succumbed to temptation" and ate the cake."

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

Both phrases mean to yield to a desire one was trying to resist, but "succumb to temptation" suggests a more passive process, whereas "give in to temptation" implies a more active decision to stop resisting.

What are some alternatives to "succumb to temptation"?

Alternatives include "yield to temptation", "fall prey to temptation", or "surrender to temptation", each carrying slightly different connotations of resistance and eventual failure.

Is it correct to say "succumb by temptation" instead of "succumb to temptation"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "succumb to temptation". "Succumb by temptation" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English.