tempt

USAGE SUMMARY

'tempt' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to describe an action. For example, "The delicious aroma of fresh cookies tempted him into the kitchen to see what was baking".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Film

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This week, 50 government MPs went on a trip to Taiwan due to last more than a week, making it all the more difficult for Anwar to lobby tempt them to defect.

The Guardian

It might slow Anwar's efforts to tempt disgruntled MPs across the floor.

The Guardian

It's the kind of lead that might tempt a campaign to begin to take victory for granted – at least the campaign of a candidate not so painfully familiar with the wrong side of a primary upset.

The Guardian

When the temperature plummets and the ground is frozen, there is not much to tempt even a hardy gardener outside, but the warm fug of a heated glasshouse is extremely alluring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell's primary victory on Tuesday night in Kentucky will undoubtedly tempt many a pundit to write the Tea Party's eulogy.

The Guardian - Opinion

More intriguing is the notion that Capello would be a stop-gap appointment and that PSG will try to tempt Arsène Wenger to the club when his current Arsenal contract expires next summer.

The Guardian - Sport

'I'm just as susceptible as anybody to the things that pull and tempt you,' Spacey says.

The Guardian - Film

In the interim, the charismatic leader stitched together the disparate opposition and worked feverishly to tempt coalition members across the floor of the house with the ultimate aim of bringing down the government.

The Guardian

But Isis began to tempt people with religious speech and money, and more than 10,000 FSA fighters went to fight with Isis.

The Guardian

If the bookmakers are feeling unexpectedly wealthy after Qualify's stunning success on Friday, perhaps they may push Golden Horn out to 2-1 or bigger to tempt sulking punters back into the shops.

The Guardian - Sport

To tempt them back, the PSE needs root-and-branch reform.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tempt", consider the ethical implications. It can imply a deliberate effort to lead someone astray, so ensure the context aligns with this nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "tempt" when a neutral term like "attract" or "invite" is more appropriate. "Tempt" carries a connotation of risk or wrongdoing, which may be unintended.

Linguistic Context

The verb "tempt" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to describe the act of enticing or attracting someone to do something, especially something considered unwise or forbidden. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Film

6%

Opinion

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "tempt" is a versatile word used to describe the act of enticing or attracting someone, often to do something that may be unwise or forbidden. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While "tempt" can have a slightly negative connotation, it's also used more neutrally to describe offering something appealing. When using "tempt", consider the ethical implications and be mindful of the context to avoid unintended negative interpretations. Alternatives like "entice", "lure", or "attract" may be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entice

Direct synonym, focusing on attracting by arousing hope or desire.

lure

Implies a more deliberate and potentially deceptive attraction.

allure

Suggests a subtle and powerful attraction, often with a sense of mystery.

invite

A more gentle and suggestive form of encouragement.

attract

A general term for drawing someone or something towards you.

seduce

Implies persuasion to do something considered unwise or immoral.

woo

To seek the favor, affection, or love of someone.

entrap

Suggests trickery and being caught in a trap.

influence

To affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

persuade

To convince someone to do or believe something.

FAQs

How to use "tempt" in a sentence?

Use "tempt" to describe enticing someone to do something, often something unwise or forbidden. For example, "The aroma of chocolate cake "tempted" me to break my diet."

What can I say instead of "tempt"?

You can use alternatives like "entice", "lure", or "attract" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "tempt" someone?

While "tempt" often has negative connotations suggesting wrongdoing, it can also be used in a more neutral way to describe offering something appealing. However, be mindful of the potential negative interpretation.

What's the difference between "tempt" and "persuade"?

"Persuade" implies convincing someone through reasoning or argument, while "tempt" suggests enticing someone through desire or the promise of reward, often for something inadvisable.