I pretend that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I pretend that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a hypothetical situation or a situation that is being imagined. For example: "I pretend that I am a millionaire and can buy all the things I want."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The book opens with Finley musing, "Sometimes I pretend that shooting hoops in my backyard is my earliest memory".

The New York Times - Books

I pretend that HBO's John Adams is the breaking news.

Huffington Post

"I pretend that if anyone's watching they don't speak English and they're all naked".

Independent

Another song tackles empty relationships: "I pretend that you love me, you pretend that you care".

The New York Times - Arts

When writing Berkshire Hathaway's annual report, I pretend that I'm talking to my sisters".

The New Yorker

In no way do I pretend that I'm doing something innovative; the ethos is to contribute further.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He really loves insects, so I pretended that was in insect.

BBC

But I read about 400 pages of it so I still pretend that counts".

The New York Times

I can't pretend that anybody really has.

The New York Times

I can't pretend that everything she will be exposed to is positive.

The New York Times - Sports

"I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges will be easy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider specifying the motivation behind the pretense. What purpose does the act of pretending serve in the given situation?

Common error

Avoid using "I pretend that" when you genuinely hold a belief or opinion. The phrase implies a conscious awareness of the discrepancy between what is said and what is actually true. Using "I think that" or "I believe that" is more appropriate for expressing genuine convictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I pretend that" functions as a clause introducer. It sets up a scenario that is not necessarily real, but imagined or feigned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I pretend that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce an imagined or feigned scenario. As indicated by Ludwig, it effectively sets up a contrast between pretense and reality. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, maintaining a neutral register. To enrich your writing, consider adding details about the motivation for the pretense and avoid using it in contexts where genuine belief is being expressed. Alternatives such as "I imagine that" or "I make believe that" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I feign that

Replaces "pretend" with "feign", implying a deliberate act of deception or imitation.

I make believe that

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect of pretending, suggesting a playful or childlike scenario.

I imagine that

Shifts the focus to internal thought processes, suggesting the creation of a mental image or scenario.

I act as if

Highlights the behavioral aspect of pretending, emphasizing the outward display of certain actions or feelings.

I simulate that

Suggests a more calculated and deliberate attempt to mimic a situation or behavior.

I give the impression that

Focuses on the perception created in others, rather than the internal state of the speaker.

I create the illusion that

Highlights the artificiality of the pretense, suggesting a deliberate attempt to deceive.

I put on a show that

Suggests a theatrical performance, emphasizing the deliberate and artificial nature of the pretense.

I dissemble that

Implies concealing one's true motives or feelings, suggesting a strategic act of deception.

I masquerade as if

Implies hiding one's true identity or nature, often for deceptive purposes.

FAQs

How can "I pretend that" be used effectively in writing?

Use "I pretend that" to introduce scenarios that are imagined or not entirely true, adding depth to character development or exploring hypothetical situations. For instance, "I pretend that I'm an astronaut when I look at the stars."

What are some common alternatives to "I pretend that"?

You can use alternatives like "I imagine that", "I make believe that", or "I act as if" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I pretend that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "I pretend that" introduces a subordinate clause indicating something feigned or imagined.

What's the difference between "I pretend that" and "I wish that"?

"I pretend that" suggests a conscious act of imagining something, whereas "I wish that" expresses a desire for something to be true. You "I pretend that" I'm a superhero during a game, but "I wish that" I could fly.