tempted by

USAGE SUMMARY

"tempted by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone feeling enticed or allured by something. It can also be used to describe being influenced or swayed by something. Example: She couldn't resist the smell of freshly baked cookies, she was tempted by them even though she was on a strict diet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he sounded tempted by the idea.

The New Yorker

I was seldom tempted by liqueurs again.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was tempted by the money.

The New Yorker

He has never been tempted by Twitter.

The Economist

He was tempted by the devil".

The New York Times

They were tempted by bargains.

The New York Times

Have you ever been tempted by therapy?

The Guardian - Arts

Taylor was tempted by assisted dying.

The Guardian - Books

We're tempted by the Tower Arch hike.

The Guardian - Travel

We'd be less tempted by lazy moralism.

The New Yorker

Don't be tempted by a nightcap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tempted by", ensure the subject is a person or entity capable of experiencing desire or allurement. For example, "She was tempted by the offer" is correct, while "The offer was tempted by her" is not.

Common error

Avoid using "tempted by" in the passive voice when the object of temptation should be the subject. Instead of saying "The cake was tempted by her", use "She was tempted by the cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tempted by" functions as an adjectival phrase that describes a state of being allured or enticed by something. It indicates a feeling of attraction coupled with potential hesitation or awareness of consequences. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tempted by" effectively conveys a sense of attraction mixed with potential hesitation or internal conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. It functions as an adjectival phrase, primarily found in News & Media, indicating someone is allured or swayed by something. While synonyms like ""attracted to"" or ""drawn to"" exist, "tempted by" uniquely captures the essence of desire intertwined with a potential struggle. To ensure accuracy, always use it with a subject capable of experiencing desire and avoid misusing it in the passive voice. With its common usage and clear meaning, "tempted by" remains a valuable addition to one's expressive toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enticed by

Similar to "tempted by" but emphasizes the persuasive or attractive nature of the stimulus.

attracted to

Focuses more on the inherent appeal of something rather than the internal struggle against it.

drawn to

Suggests a magnetic pull or inherent inclination towards something.

allured by

Highlights the captivating and seductive qualities of something.

lured by

Implies a more deliberate enticement, often with a negative connotation.

seduced by

Implies a strong and often irresistible attraction, potentially leading to a compromise of values.

captivated by

Emphasizes being charmed or fascinated by something.

swayed by

Focuses on the influence that something has in changing one's opinion or decision.

inclined toward

Suggests a predisposition or natural tendency towards something.

influenced by

Broader term indicating that something has had an effect on one's thoughts or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "tempted by" in a sentence?

Use "tempted by" to indicate that someone is attracted to or desires something, but may be resisting or considering it. For instance, "He was "tempted by the offer"" or "I am "tempted by the dessert"".

What are some synonyms for "tempted by"?

Alternatives include "attracted to", "drawn to", "lured by", and "enticed by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "tempted by to"?

No, the correct construction is "tempted by" followed by a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "tempted by the idea" or "tempted by trying it". Avoid "tempted by to try it".

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

"Tempted by" often implies a degree of resistance or awareness of potential negative consequences, while "attracted to" simply indicates a positive inclination without necessarily implying a struggle or decision.