that sounds tempting

USAGE SUMMARY

"that sounds tempting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something sounds attractive and appealing. Example: I heard that they're offering free ice cream at the park - that sounds tempting!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After the revelations in the US National Security Agency files, that sounds tempting.

The Guardian - Tech

That sounds tempting but I'm still concerned about how safe this all is.

BBC

And hey, if that sounds tempting, TuneUp is also offering a discount for TechCrunch readers.

TechCrunch

Everything about that sounds tempting, does it not?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When a 29-year-old Latvian commands him to eat biscuits from a bowl and have a dog's tail permanently attached to his backside, White thinks "that sounded tempting", before more practical considerations intervene ("These men are serious").

The Guardian - Books

GrubHub is promising a $10 credit to the first 25 people to place orders through, so if this sounds tempting to you, you might want to hurry.

TechCrunch

The concept sounds tempting.

The Economist

It sounds tempting.

The New York Times

Yours sincerely, Frances Gosh, it sounds tempting.

Independent

Sounds tempting now, eh? OK, it doesn't, but the point is: why stop at hair?

The Guardian - Music

The microbewery in Moab sounds tempting to me (thanks to @alishepster for the tip).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that sounds tempting", consider adding a qualifier to express reservations or further questions. For instance, "That sounds tempting, but I need more information."

Common error

Avoid using "that sounds tempting" when you have no real intention of pursuing the idea. It can be misleading and disingenuous. If you are not really interested, express it politely and directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sounds tempting" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that something is appealing or attractive. It is commonly used to acknowledge the allure of a suggestion or offer, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that sounds tempting" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase expressing mild interest or attraction to an idea or suggestion. According to Ludwig, it is commonly used in news and media contexts and can be considered to have a neutral register. While alternatives such as "that seems appealing" or "that appears attractive" can be used for more formal situations, it is important to be genuine when using this phrase and avoid overusing it if there is no real intention to pursue the idea. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, reinforcing its value in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that seems appealing

Replaces "sounds tempting" with "seems appealing", focusing on the attractiveness of the idea.

that appears attractive

Uses "appears attractive" instead of "sounds tempting", emphasizing visual appeal or initial impression.

that has potential

Shifts the focus to the potential benefits or possibilities of the idea.

that looks promising

Replaces "sounds tempting" with "looks promising", suggesting a positive outlook.

that's quite inviting

Substitutes "sounds tempting" with "is quite inviting", highlighting the welcoming nature of the proposition.

that's rather seductive

Emphasizes the allure and charm of the idea using a stronger adjective.

that holds allure

Replaces "sounds tempting" with "holds allure", making it more evocative.

that's extremely enticing

Uses "extremely enticing" to amplify the level of temptation.

that sparks interest

Focuses on the ability of the idea to generate interest and curiosity.

that piques my curiosity

Expresses the idea's ability to spark curiosity.

FAQs

How can I use "that sounds tempting" in a sentence?

You can use "that sounds tempting" to express that an offer or suggestion is appealing. For example, "They are offering a free trip to Hawaii - "that sounds tempting"!"

What's a more formal alternative to "that sounds tempting"?

For a more formal alternative, consider saying "that appears quite appealing" or "that proposition is enticing". These options maintain a similar meaning but are suitable for professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "that sounds tempting" when I'm not entirely convinced?

You could say "that's worth considering" or "that's an interesting possibility". These phrases acknowledge the appeal while keeping your options open.

Is it appropriate to use "that sounds tempting" in a business setting?

Yes, "that sounds tempting" can be used in a business setting, especially in informal communications. However, in more formal situations, consider alternatives like "that is an appealing prospect" or "that appears attractive".