a pretense for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pretense for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being done as a cover or facade for another intention or action. Example: "His generosity was merely a pretense for gaining favor with the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Some say the pay phones are merely a pretense for advertisements.

The New York Times

"Some employers are using the economy as a pretense for laying off just one person," Ms. Grossman said.

The New York Times - Health

Another talked about being pulled over by an officer who claimed to smell marijuana in the car as a pretense for searching him.

The New Yorker

Critics of the law call it an Orwellian scheme that invokes treatment as a pretense for preventive detention and often sweeps in the wrong people.

The New York Times

Child-hating was not a pretense for Mother, the jokey exasperation of a sentimental woman, who spoke of her children insincerely as rug rats and burdens.

The New Yorker

The "masque" was a quasi-dramatic entertainment, primarily providing a pretense for a group of strangers to dance and sing before an audience of guests and attendants in a royal court or nobleman's house.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

As more and more Beaujolais production went into nouveau, growers no longer made a pretense of striving for quality.

The New York Times - Food

There's a pretense of respect for the dignity and privacy of the victims — the convention is not to show their photos in the days after their rescue.

The New Yorker

He put a stethoscope on Luke's chest and made a pretense of looking for a heartbeat, but we all knew there was nothing there.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is the height of hypocrisy for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to make a pretense of showing sympathy for the victims of Hurricane Isaac when their policies would leave those affected by this disaster stranded and on their own," Reid said in a statement.

Huffington Post

I take exception to the counsel in Walter Isaacson's July 14 Op-Ed article for a "pretense of humility" in our relations with France ("Poor Richard's Flattery").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pretense for", ensure that the context clearly indicates the deceptive or misleading nature of the stated reason or action.

Common error

Avoid using "a pretense for" when a genuine reason exists. The phrase implies a degree of insincerity or outright deception, so ensure that the context warrants this implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pretense for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a reason or justification that is not genuine but is used to conceal the true motivation or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pretense for" is a valuable tool for expressing deception or hidden motives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions as a noun phrase, often revealing insincerity behind an action or statement. While mostly neutral, its register is frequently encountered in more formal news and media contexts. Alternatives include "a pretext for" or "a guise for", offering nuanced ways to express a similar meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the deceptive intent, as misusing it can alter the intended message. Recognizing the level of deception involved ensures that the phrase is employed correctly, adding clarity and precision to the written expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pretext for

Indicates a reason given to hide the real reason for something; very close synonym.

a guise for

Suggests an outward appearance that conceals the true nature of something.

a cover for

Implies that something is used to hide or protect the real activity or intention.

a smokescreen for

Suggests something intended to obscure or conceal an underlying activity or situation.

an excuse for

A reason, either real or invented, that is used to justify something.

a facade for

Suggests a deceptive outward appearance.

a subterfuge for

Implies deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.

a mask for

Something that hides or disguises the true character or nature of something.

a justification for

The act of showing something to be right or reasonable; may not always be deceptive.

a semblance of

An outward or token appearance or form that gives a false impression of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a pretense for" in a sentence?

You can use "a pretense for" to indicate that something is being done as a cover or facade for another intention or action. For example, "His charity work was just "a pretense for" improving his public image."

What are some alternatives to "a pretense for"?

Alternatives to "a pretense for" include "a pretext for", "a guise for", or "a cover for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a pretense for" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a pretense for" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, consider alternatives like "a pretext for" or "a cover for" if they better fit the context.

What is the difference between "a pretense for" and "a reason for"?

"A pretense for" implies that the stated reason is not the true reason and is being used to conceal the real motive. "A reason for", on the other hand, simply indicates a genuine explanation or justification.