to be tempted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be tempted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the feeling of wanting to do something, especially something that may not be advisable or is considered wrong. Example: "Even though I knew I shouldn't eat the cake, I couldn't help but be tempted by its delicious smell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's got to be tempted.

The Washington Post

"I don't want to be tempted away.

The Guardian - Music

More people need to be tempted out of mainstream finance.

The Economist

Chances are, though, you are going to be tempted again.

The New York Times

You don't have to play basketball to be tempted.

The New York Times - Sports

It didn't take long for Hillary to be tempted.

The Guardian - Books

Some of us prefer not to be tempted.

The New York Times

You don't want to be tempted to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

"They didn't want to be tempted by family niceties," Ms. Quade said.

The New York Times

With debt cheaply available some companies are bound to be tempted to pursue acquisitions.

The Economist

You're going to be tempted to do crazy or even stupid things with that money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be tempted" when describing a situation where someone is considering doing something they know they probably shouldn't, especially if it involves resisting a desire.

Common error

Avoid using "to be tempted" when describing actions driven by uncontrollable urges or compulsions. Temptation implies a degree of choice and potential resistance, while compulsion suggests a lack of control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be tempted" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase, often expressing a passive state of inclination toward something. It describes the state of being drawn to an action or object, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be tempted" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe the state of being drawn towards something, especially if it is considered undesirable or difficult to resist. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its prevalence in news, media, and general-interest writing suggests its suitability across various registers. When using "to be tempted", consider the nuances of related phrases like "to be enticed" or "to be allured" to precisely convey the intended meaning. Avoid using it when describing actions driven by compulsion, as temptation implies a degree of choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be enticed

Similar to 'allured', but can also imply being persuaded through promises or rewards.

to be allured

Suggests a more seductive or enticing form of attraction.

to be drawn to

Implies an attraction or pull, often without the negative connotation of temptation.

to be seduced

Implies a strong and often irresistible attraction, frequently with negative consequences.

to feel inclined

Suggests a weaker pull or inclination compared to being tempted.

to be susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or openness to influence or attraction.

to find oneself wanting

Expresses a desire that arises unexpectedly, often despite one's better judgment.

to be vulnerable to

Emphasizes the lack of resistance to an appealing force.

to have a weakness for

Indicates a specific vulnerability or susceptibility to something.

to be prone to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination towards something, not necessarily negative.

FAQs

How can I use "to be tempted" in a sentence?

You can use "to be tempted" to describe a situation where someone is considering doing something that they know is wrong or unwise. For example, "I was "sorely tempted" to skip work and go to the beach."

What can I say instead of "to be tempted"?

You can use alternatives like "to be drawn to", "to be enticed", or "to be allured" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to be tempted to" or "to be tempted by"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "To be tempted to" is followed by a verb and indicates an inclination to do something. "To be tempted by" is followed by a noun and indicates an attraction to something.

What's the difference between "to be tempted" and "to be coerced"?

"To be tempted" implies a voluntary inclination, while "to be coerced" suggests force or pressure against one's will. Temptation involves desire, coercion involves compulsion.