temptation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temptation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. Example: "Despite the temptation to indulge in dessert, she chose to stick to her diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Opinion

Lifestyle

Sport

Politics

Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of all the senators who attempted Wednesday to rally support for the doomed Manchin-Toomey background check amendment, Connecticut's Democratic freshman representative, Chris Murphy, probably faced the greatest temptation to borrow the moral authority of the Newtown families.

The Guardian - Opinion

Marren's research, however, reveals a long tradition of butterflies representing dark desires, fallen angels, temptation and death.

The Guardian - Film

There's a temptation to go for the brightly coloured, but we tried to use dull ones.

The Guardian - Film

As he read his speech, crunching the paper hard as though warding off the temptation to improvise, it became clear that the text hammered out with Tony Blair's minions had been amended.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do I stay at home alone and just watch the ball drop to avoid temptation?

The Guardian - Opinion

"We face no concrete walls … sometimes there can be a sense that the great challenges have somehow passed and that brings with it a temptation to turn inward".

The Guardian

Cameron said: "Of course there's a temptation for every European country just to say 'Let's go on trading exactly as we have done with Russia, let's leave responsibility for what is happening in Ukraine to someone else and let's turn away'.

The Guardian

The first temptation is to laugh it off – it's a newspaper, mate, not a space mission.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is almost always a good idea with dairy products, which can be bland if served too warm, although I'll be impressed if you can manage to resist the temptation to tuck in for too long.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When confronted by the gruesome reality of life for some of society's most vulnerable and damaged (not to mention violent and damaging) young people, there is a temptation to wring one's hands and say: "Well, what can you do?" In this case, the answer is clear and compelling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course it is all too easy for a person who will never be offered an honour, and so never subject to temptation, to scorn such exchanges.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "temptation", consider the specific context. Is it a fleeting desire or a deeply rooted struggle? Clarify the nature of the "temptation" to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid portraying "temptation" as an irresistible force. Acknowledge the possibility of resistance and conscious choices, as overemphasizing its power can diminish the agency of individuals facing it.

Linguistic Context

The noun "temptation" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It commonly refers to the act of tempting or the state of being tempted, aligning with Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Business

5%

Travel

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "temptation" is a versatile noun widely employed to denote the act of tempting, the state of being tempted, or an enticing influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears across various domains, notably in News & Media, Opinion, and Lifestyle contexts. When writing about "temptation", be mindful of the context and avoid overstating its power, acknowledging the potential for resistance. While synonyms like "allurement" and "enticement" exist, the most fitting alternative depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allurement

Focuses on the attractive quality that draws someone in.

enticement

Highlights the act of persuading someone to do something through attraction.

tempting offer

Specifies the "temptation" as something offered.

seduction

Implies a more powerful and often deceptive attraction.

siren call

Highlights the dangerous and irresistible nature of the "temptation".

lure

Suggests a trap or hidden danger within the attraction.

irresistible urge

Emphasizes the difficulty in resisting the "temptation".

attraction

A general term for something that draws interest or desire.

inducement

Highlights the act of persuading or influencing someone.

decoy

Emphasizes the misleading nature of the attraction.

FAQs

How can I use "temptation" in a sentence?

"Temptation" can be used to describe the act of tempting, the state of being tempted, or something that tempts. For example, "He resisted the "temptation" to cheat on the test."

What are some synonyms for "temptation"?

Alternatives to "temptation" include "enticement", "allurement", "seduction", and "lure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "temptation" a positive or negative term?

"Temptation" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a desire for something considered wrong or unwise. However, it can be neutral depending on the context.

What's the difference between "temptation" and "desire"?

"Desire" is a general longing for something, while "temptation" specifically implies a desire for something that is potentially harmful, immoral, or forbidden. "Desire" doesn't necessarily have those negative implications.