Don't pay heed to temptation vs Ignore

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Don't pay heed to temptation

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Ignore

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Most common: Ignore
 Don't pay heed to temptationIgnore
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dəʊnt peɪ hiːd tʊ tɛmˈteɪʃən//🇺🇸 //doʊnt peɪ hiːd tʊ tɛmˈteɪʃən//🇬🇧 //ɪɡˈnɔː//🇺🇸 //ɪɡˈnɔːr//
MeaningDon't listen to something that tries to make you do wrong.To pay no attention to something.
ExampleYou should **don't pay heed to temptation** when dieting.She chose to ignore the rude comments from her classmates.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-B1
Part of speechverb
Collocationspay heed to advice, temptation of wealth, fall into temptation, resist temptationignore a call, ignore the rules, ignore the warning
Antonyms-acknowledge, pay attention, notice
Common mistakesUsing 'heed' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'temptation' with similar-sounding words., Omitting 'don't' and changing the meaning to a positive suggestion.Confused with 'neglect' - ignoring implies a choice, neglecting may imply carelessness., Misused in passive forms - typically, ignore is active., Incorrect tense forms - ensure correct past or continuous forms.
Usage notesThis phrase is best used in cautionary contexts, often in moral or ethical discussions. It isn't formal but should be avoided in casual or joking conversations.Used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral; avoid in formal contexts where precise attention is needed.

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Don't pay heed to temptation

Frequently asked questions: Don't pay heed to temptation vs Ignore

What's the difference between Don't pay heed to temptation and Ignore?

Don't pay heed to temptation: Don't listen to something that tries to make you do wrong. Ignore: To pay no attention to something.

Which is more common: Don't pay heed to temptation and Ignore?

Ignore is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Don't pay heed to temptation: You should **don't pay heed to temptation** when dieting. Ignore: She chose to ignore the rude comments from her classmates.

Can I use Don't pay heed to temptation and Ignore interchangeably?

Not always. Don't pay heed to temptation and Ignore are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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