tempted

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tempted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when one is lured or enticed by something or offered something that is attractive. Example sentence: She was tempted by the delicious smell of the freshly baked cake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anyone would be tempted.

The New York Times

Nearly half (45%) say it's important to pay MPs enough to ensure they're not tempted to add to their income by taking secondary work.

The Guardian

Out of power in Dublin and strategically outflanked by the DUP since the St Andrews agreement two years ago, the party might be tempted back to the strategy of tension, to use the threat of violent street protest to exact fresh concessions from the British government.

The Guardian

Gatland may alternatively be tempted to harness the physical threat of George North in the centre or start with Perpignan's James Hook, who filled in as full-back for part of the South Africa match.

The Guardian - Sport

A story is told in the excellent study of Somalia by James Fergusson – The World's Most Dangerous Place (Bantam Press) – of a group of schoolboys who were tempted into joining al-Shabaab by being given a piece of fruit every day.

The Guardian

And don't be tempted to follow a couple of "civilians", just for a laugh: when Kanye West did that to a student from Coventry, the influx of fan and press attention nearly drove the poor sod crazy.

The Guardian - Opinion

If growth resumes at 2.5% or more in a private sector-led recovery, as Alexander hopes, he will be tempted to ease off the brake pedal.

The Guardian - Opinion

In practice, the bulk of Channel's efforts involve younger people tempted by Islamist views, with many recent cases linked to radicalisation over Syria.

The Guardian

If there was a chance, I might be tempted.

The Guardian

I am sorely tempted to start an online appeal to send Richard Templar to meet the uber-successful, hyper go-getting, and sartorially-off-the-wall residents of the Silicone Roundabout in Shoreditch.

The Guardian

Both Craig Oliver, David Cameron's communications chief, and the now ex-Labour leader's spin doctor Tom Baldwin, are former journalists, for the BBC and the Times respectively Robinson writes that he wasn't tempted by the Labour offer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tempted" to clearly convey a feeling of being drawn to something, but remember to provide enough context to show whether the temptation was resisted or yielded to. This adds depth and clarity to your narrative.

Common error

A common mistake is underestimating the power of "tempted". While it suggests attraction, ensure the narrative highlights the internal or external conflict faced, rather than simply stating a mild interest.

Linguistic Context

The word "tempted" functions primarily as a verb in the past participle form. It indicates a state of being attracted or inclined towards something, often something that is considered unwise or forbidden. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tempted" is a versatile verb indicating a state of attraction or inclination, often towards something potentially unwise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in neutral contexts like News & Media. When using "tempted", consider the strength of the attraction and provide context to show whether the temptation was resisted or yielded to. Alternatives like "inclined", "enticed", and "lured" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings, as well. Remember that "I am "tempted"" describes your feeling, while "I am tempting" describes your effect on others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enticed

Suggests a deliberate act of attraction or persuasion, often involving something alluring or desirable.

lured

Implies a more subtle and possibly deceptive attraction, often towards a hidden danger or trap.

inclined

Indicates a leaning or tendency towards a particular action or belief, without necessarily implying a struggle against resisting the urge.

seduced

Indicates a complete yielding to temptation, often with a loss of control or resistance.

drawn

Suggests a natural or irresistible attraction, often without conscious effort or intent.

attracted

A general term for feeling drawn towards something or someone, without necessarily implying a moral conflict.

had the urge

Focuses on the internal feeling of wanting to do something, often something impulsive or against better judgment.

felt like

Expresses a momentary desire or inclination, often fleeting and not necessarily acted upon.

considered

Indicates a contemplation of a particular action, without necessarily implying a strong desire or inclination.

yearned

Indicates a deep longing or desire, often for something unattainable or lost.

FAQs

How can I use "tempted" in a sentence?

You can use "tempted" to describe someone being drawn to something. For example, "I was "tempted" to eat the cake", showing a desire but not necessarily acting on it.

What are some alternatives to using "tempted"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "inclined", "enticed", or "lured", each carrying slightly different nuances of attraction and potential risk.

Is it correct to say "I am tempting" instead of "I am tempted"?

No, "I am tempting" means that you are causing someone else to be tempted. "I am "tempted"" means that you are experiencing the feeling of temptation.

What's the difference between "tempted" and "attracted"?

"Attracted" generally implies a positive or neutral feeling of being drawn towards something. "Tempted", however, often suggests a desire for something that may be unwise or morally questionable.