to lure

USAGE SUMMARY

"to lure" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb which means "to attract or tempt someone (or something) to do something or go somewhere by offering something desirable or by giving false or exaggerated promises". For example: The store manager used discounts and special deals to lure new customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They do not try to lure.

The New Yorker

Banks run lotteries to lure more depositors.

The New Yorker

To lure listeners, they need publicity.

The New York Times

She proceeded to lure him with blinis.

The New York Times - Food

They were to lure children, of course.

The New Yorker

Deals to lure technology companies crumbled.

The New York Times

Pitchmen yell to lure people inside.

The New Yorker

BA is spending £1m to lure customers back.

The Economist

His family has tried to lure him out.

The New Yorker

She had sweets to lure visitors to her table.

The Economist

The Count tries to lure "Susanna" into the dark pavilion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to lure", ensure that the object being lured is clearly identified and that the means of luring is appropriate for the context. Avoid using it in situations where deception is unethical.

Common error

While "to lure" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem manipulative or overly simplistic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "to attract" or "to invite" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to lure" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or goal behind an action. It describes the act of attracting or tempting someone or something, often with the promise of a reward or benefit, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to lure" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating an intent to attract or entice, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It enjoys very common usage, appearing most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. While grammatically sound, its appropriateness varies with register; it is advisable to use more formal alternatives like "to attract" in formal or business settings to avoid unintended connotations of manipulation. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, understanding the nuances of "to lure" enables more effective and context-aware communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to entice

Replaces "to lure" with a more formal and emphatic expression of purpose.

with the aim of attracting

Substitutes "to lure" with a phrase that specifies the intention of attracting something.

for the purpose of enticing

Uses a more elaborate construction to express the intention behind the action.

so as to attract

Offers a slightly more concise alternative, focusing on the result of attracting.

intending to entice

Highlights the intention behind the act of enticing, rather than the act itself.

seeking to attract

Focuses on the active effort to attract, presenting a proactive approach.

with a view to enticing

Employs a more formal tone, indicating a deliberate consideration of enticing.

in an effort to attract

Emphasizes the effort made in attracting, suggesting dedication and exertion.

by way of seduction

Conveys a more subtle and perhaps manipulative approach to attracting.

to draw in

Offers a simpler, more direct way of expressing the action of attracting.

FAQs

How can I use "to lure" in a sentence?

Use "to lure" to describe attracting someone or something, often with a reward or enticement. For example, "The company used discounts to lure new customers."

What can I say instead of "to lure"?

You can use alternatives like "to attract", "to entice", or "to tempt" depending on the context.

Is "to lure" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to lure" may sound informal or suggest manipulation in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "to attract".

What is the difference between "to lure" and "to attract"?

"To lure" often implies a deliberate effort to entice, sometimes with a hint of deception or a specific reward, whereas "to attract" is a more general term for drawing interest or attention.