we were tempted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were tempted to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or inclination to do something, often implying that there is a reason to resist that temptation. Example: "Despite the risks involved, we were tempted to invest in the new startup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We were tempted to stay the week.

The New York Times - Travel

We were tempted to take seconds.

The Washington Post

-- so we were tempted to skip the offerings.

The New York Times

We were tempted to say that Pence earns Four Pinocchios, but the numbers are technically correct.

The Washington Post

So wonderful that we were tempted to try a bit of what remained.

The New York Times

We were tempted to cycle miles in search of a scribbled moniker that could only be deciphered with difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We are tempted to enter a contest.

The New Yorker

We're tempted to say look it's 1.9.

Yale University

And when we're tempted to procrastinate, diversions are only a click away.

Harvard Business Review

This is just what good medicine is like, we're tempted to say.

The New Yorker

Surely we are not now so arrogant that we are tempted to reverse the proof?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were tempted to" to express a desire that was resisted, implying a conscious decision against the temptation. This adds depth by hinting at the conflicting motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "we were tempted to" when you actually yielded to the temptation. This phrase implies that the temptation was resisted, not embraced. If you gave in, use phrases like "we decided to" or "we chose to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were tempted to" functions as an introductory phrase expressing a consideration or inclination towards a particular action. It's often followed by an explanation of why the action was not taken. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were tempted to" is a versatile phrase used to express a consideration or inclination towards an action that was ultimately resisted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia to portray a moment of indecision and its subsequent resolution. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a temptation that was consciously avoided. Alternative expressions such as "we felt inclined to" and "we considered doing" can offer subtly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt inclined to

Indicates a feeling of wanting to do something, similar to being tempted, but potentially less strong.

we considered doing

Implies thinking about doing something, sharing the aspect of considering an action.

we entertained the idea of

Suggests a brief consideration of an action, similar to being tempted by it.

we were drawn to

Focuses on the attraction towards something, sharing the sense of allure with temptation.

we had a hankering for

Denotes a strong desire or craving, similar to the pull of temptation.

we were almost persuaded to

Highlights the near-success of temptation, emphasizing the possibility of yielding.

we debated whether to

Implies an internal discussion about an action, sharing the aspect of pondering a choice.

we flirted with the notion of

Suggests a playful consideration of an idea, akin to toying with temptation.

we found ourselves wanting to

Emphasizes the spontaneous emergence of a desire, similar to the unexpected nature of temptation.

we leaned towards

Indicates a preference or inclination, sharing the sense of favoring an action.

FAQs

How can I use "we were tempted to" in a sentence?

Use "we were tempted to" to describe a situation where you considered doing something, but ultimately chose not to. For example, "We were tempted to skip the meeting, but we knew it was important".

What does "we were tempted to" imply?

It implies a desire or inclination towards something, coupled with a reason or decision against it. It suggests a conscious effort to resist the temptation.

What can I say instead of "we were tempted to"?

You can use alternatives like "we felt inclined to", "we considered doing", or "we entertained the idea of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were tempted to do" or "we were tempted of doing" correct?

"We were tempted to do" is the correct form. The phrase "tempted" requires the infinitive form of the verb (to do), not the preposition "of".