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Prepositions after verbs

How to use “tempt” correctly

Tempt is commonly followed by to + verb. By can appear in passive structures or with methods, but it is not the usual direct pattern after tempt.

Quick answer

Should you use “tempt by” or “tempt to”?

Use tempt someone to do something for the standard pattern. Tempted by is also common in passive constructions to show the attractive thing. Direct active tempt by is uncommon.

tempt customers to buy more
I was tempted to stay
She was tempted by the offer
tempt investors to join

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
tempt someone to + verb

Encouraging or attracting someone to act

This is the standard pattern for causing someone to want to do something.

The advertisement tried to tempt viewers to subscribe.
The smell of bread tempted me to stop.
2
be tempted to + verb

Feeling inclined to do something

Use be tempted to for a desire or impulse to act.

I was tempted to reply immediately.
They were tempted to cancel the trip.
3
be tempted by + thing

Showing the source of attraction

Tempted by describes the thing that attracts someone.

Many buyers were tempted by the discount.
He was tempted by the chance of promotion.
4
tempt with + thing

Mentioning what is offered

With can introduce the thing used to attract someone.

The café tried to tempt tourists with free samples.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
tempt by
Customers were tempted by the low prices.
natural mainly in passive structures showing the attractive thing
tempt to
The bonus tempted her to accept the job.
standard pattern for causing someone to do something
tempt someone to
The coach tempted players to join the new club.
active form with an object and action
be tempted to
I was tempted to leave early.
feel inclined to do something

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using active “tempt by” instead of “tempt to”

In active sentences, tempt normally takes an object plus to + verb.

✕ The ad tempted by lower prices. ✓ The ad tempted customers to buy with lower prices.

Forgetting the infinitive after “tempt someone”

Tempt is usually followed by to + verb when describing an action.

✕ They tempted him joining. ✓ They tempted him to join.

Confusing “tempted by” and “tempted to”

Tempted by names the attraction. Tempted to names the action.

✕ She was tempted by buy the car. ✓ She was tempted to buy the car.

Using “tempt with” for actions

With introduces an offer or object, not the action itself.

✕ They tempted me with apply. ✓ They tempted me to apply.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The recruiter tempted her ___ apply for the position.
2. Many shoppers were tempted ___ the huge discounts.
3. I was tempted ___ stay home because of the storm.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “tempt by” correct?

It is mainly natural in passive forms such as tempted by the offer. Active tempt by is uncommon.

What is the standard pattern with “tempt”?

The standard pattern is tempt someone to do something.

Can I use “tempt with”?

Yes. Tempt with introduces the thing being offered, such as food, money, or benefits.

tackle by, in, for, with or on? tack-on-onto-to-across, as "tag with" or "tag in"? tailor to, for, from, toward or towards? "taint by" or "taint with"? "take into", "take in" or "take to"? "talk about" or "talk to"? tally with, in, for, up or at? "tap into" or "tap on"? target at, by, for, to or in? tarnish by, in, with, after or as? "taste like", "taste of" or "taste in"?

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