as she pretended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as she pretended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is acting or feigning a certain behavior or emotion. Example: "She smiled brightly, as she pretended to be happy, even though she was feeling quite the opposite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She was concentrating power in her own hands rather than dispersing it, as she pretended.

The Guardian

Raya, the 10-year-old who otherwise at that moment might have been enduring her first rape, was giggly and carefree as she pretended to drive the car.

The New York Times

Dressed as a waiter, he handed a Champagne flute to each model as she came out; inside was a tiny camera, and as she pretended to take a sip, her lips and mouth were projected on a huge screen in the background.

The New York Times

"I don't know what I feel!" Britton said as she pretended to sob. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Another painting he created at this time, The Fortune Teller, shows a young woman deftly removing a man's ring as she pretends to read his palm.

The Guardian - Arts

A repetitive, brilliantly danced, body-wiggling charade ensues as she pretends to swallow a ball and watches it pass down the length of her body.

The New York Times - Arts

When she bemoans that, despite herself, Renaud's "importunate image" disturbs her rest "incessantly," Lully makes sure we feel her susceptibility to love, even as she pretends to be free of it, in the sudden darkening of the line on "incessamment".

The New York Times - Arts

Tailor-made for a Mark Morris cutup, one might think, and there are a few sly witticisms: Sylvia crossing her fingers behind her back as she pretends to go along with Orion; the two silly Heralds in the third act (they hop in tight little circles to one of Delibes's glorious fanfares) darting bitchy glances at each other.

The New York Times - Arts

The female heroine Medora has a throwaway solo in red knickers, as she pretends to a boy.

Los Angeles Times

"I don't think she's anywhere near as good as she pretends she's going to be".

Huffington Post

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bouchard cited "Boyz 4 Now" as one of his favorite episodes of the series and revealed his liking of "episodes where Louise is a little vulnerable... you don't want her to be as invulnerable as she pretends to be.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as she pretended" to smoothly integrate a character's feigned actions or emotions into a narrative, enhancing the reader's understanding of their inner state versus their outward presentation.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "as she pretended" within close proximity in dialogue. Vary the phrasing with synonyms like "feigned", "acted", or descriptive action tags to maintain narrative flow and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as she pretended" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by providing context about the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is not genuine but rather a simulation or performance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as she pretended" is a grammatically sound phrase, although not exceedingly common. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that an action is feigned or simulated. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Arts, and it's most effective when used to highlight the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider employing synonyms to enhance narrative variation. While the phrase is correct, Ludwig's analysis helps ensure writers use it effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as she feigned

Replaces "pretended" with "feigned", offering a more formal synonym.

as she simulated

Substitutes "pretended" with "simulated", emphasizing the act of mimicking.

as she acted

Uses "acted" instead of "pretended", highlighting the performative aspect.

as she made believe

Replaces "pretended" with the idiomatic "made believe", creating a slightly more informal tone.

as she put on an act

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the pretense with the idiom "put on an act".

as she dissembled

Replaces "pretended" with "dissembled", suggesting a more deliberate attempt to conceal true feelings.

as she played the part

Highlights the role-playing aspect of pretending.

as she feigned to be

Adds "to be" for a slightly more descriptive emphasis on the false identity.

as she postured

Replaces "pretended" with "postured", suggesting a display intended to impress or mislead.

as she impersonated

Uses "impersonated" instead of "pretended", suggesting a more direct attempt to mimic someone else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as she pretended" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "as she feigned" or "as she simulated". These options offer a sophisticated way to describe someone pretending.

What's a less formal way to say "as she pretended"?

If you're aiming for a more casual tone, try "as she acted" or "as she made believe". These options are suitable for informal writing or conversation.

Is "as she pretended" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "as she pretended" is grammatically correct when used to describe an action being feigned or simulated. However, ensure it fits the context and flow of your sentence.

What's the difference between "as she pretended" and "as if she pretended"?

"As she pretended" directly states that she was pretending, whereas "as if she pretended" introduces a hypothetical or conditional element, suggesting the situation may not be entirely real or confirmed.