a good pretext

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good pretext" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a plausible reason or excuse used to justify an action or behavior. Example 1: "She used the fact that her car had broken down as a good pretext to skip the meeting and go shopping instead." Example 2: "The politician's promise to lower taxes was just a good pretext to gain more votes from the middle-class population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Green technology, in particular, is proving a good pretext for handouts.

The Economist

It's also a good pretext for staying in Ohio, her comfort zone, rather than relocating to England, where her fiancé has been offered a visiting professorship at Oxford.

The New York Times - Books

It's a good pretext to visit the interview he granted to Die Zeit last month, on the occasion of the German release of "Whatever Works".

The New Yorker

Of course, neither city can claim great originality in holding such a show at this, well, time, but each has a good pretext.

The New York Times - Arts

The refusal of King John II Casimir Vasa, the successor and brother of Władysław IV, to give up his claims to the Swedish crown offered a good pretext for resuming hostilities with the Commonwealth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the time "there was no reason not to approve it," Mr. Barak said, but he added, "It wasn't the reason for the whole eruption, but it supplied a good pretext for it, I admit".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Without the lobotomy," Mr Cheney told the American Academy of Neurology, "it might have proved difficult to persuade the president to start wars all around the world without any good pretext.

The Guardian

In both cases, these threats were fictional, but they made good pretexts for starting wars of conquest.

The New Yorker

Any excuse to reissue old blues, country and ragtime songs is a good one, and the pretext for this collection of Victor Talking Machine Company recordings from the 1920's to the 1950's is that it's a chance to hear original or early versions of songs that folkies and rockers would later pick up, like "Statesboro Blues" or "Walk Right In".

The New York Times - Arts

If you're going to surprise her, make up some pretext — a good one is to tell her you're taking her out to eat — so that she will (a) show up and (b) show up hungry.

WikiHow

In France, according to the writer Anouilh, everything - from weddings to duels - is merely a pretext for a good dinner.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good pretext", ensure the reason you're presenting is believable within the context. The effectiveness of a pretext lies in its plausibility.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a good pretext" too frequently in writing or conversation, as it can create a perception of insincerity or manipulation. Opt for more direct and honest explanations when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good pretext" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms it's commonly used to denote a reason or excuse, often implying the reason may not be the primary or genuine one.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good pretext" is a valid phrase referring to a seemingly acceptable reason, often concealing the true motive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used to provide a justification that might not be entirely honest. Its frequency is uncommon, predominantly appearing in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the implication of a hidden motive and consider alternative expressions like "a plausible excuse" or "a convenient justification" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible excuse

Emphasizes the believability of the excuse.

a convenient justification

Highlights the ease and suitability of the justification.

a ready-made excuse

Suggests the excuse was prepared in advance.

a suitable reason

Focuses on the appropriateness of the reason.

an acceptable rationale

Indicates the rationale is deemed satisfactory.

a viable alibi

Specifically refers to an excuse used to prove innocence.

a trumped-up charge

Implies the pretext is fabricated or exaggerated.

a face-saving device

Highlights the use of the pretext to avoid embarrassment.

a colorable argument

Suggests an argument that appears valid but may not be.

a flimsy excuse

Implies the excuse is weak and unconvincing.

FAQs

How can I use "a good pretext" in a sentence?

You can use "a good pretext" to introduce a reason or justification that may not be the primary or true motivation. For example, "He used the business trip as "a good pretext" to visit his family."

What is an alternative to saying "a good pretext"?

Alternatives to "a good pretext" include "a plausible excuse", "a convenient justification", or "a suitable reason" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a good pretext"?

It is appropriate to use "a good pretext" when you want to imply that the stated reason for an action or decision might not be the real one, but it's still a valid or acceptable explanation on the surface.

What's the difference between "a good pretext" and "a valid reason"?

"A good pretext" suggests a reason that is used to mask the true motivation, whereas "a valid reason" implies a genuine and legitimate justification.