as you pretend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as you pretend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's actions or behavior that they are feigning or not being genuine about. Example: "You can keep acting as you pretend, but we all know the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Nor is it as necessary as you pretend.

The Economist

"You are not as unpractical as you pretend.

The New Yorker

It says, "we shall tolerate you as long as you pretend to be just like us".

The Guardian - Opinion

Internal listening is focused on your own thoughts, worries, and priorities, even as you pretend you're focusing on the other person.

Harvard Business Review

Once you've spent an hour or so streaming "Ride of the Valkyries" over the wi-fi as you pretend to swoop low over Vietnamese paddy fields, or else evacuate the last employees from the Saigon embassy, there is plenty going on on-site to distract you.

Independent

It is impossible to be a saint here because the moral quandaries are ubiquitous, be it as you pretend to ignore the man with stumps for legs crawling across the market pavements, or you contact a cousin to facilitate a business deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But if you still can't do empathy, at least nod occasionally, as the more you pretend to understand, the less they will need to keep venting all of their ridiculous bullshit and the sooner you can get back to talking about you.

Vice

If a guy knows you as the person you pretend to be he will be confused (maybe even angry) if you act like a differently when your together.

WikiHow

"And you pretend as if there's no context".

Los Angeles Times

It starts, for her, with a game of pretending she adapts, as an idea, from C.S. Lewis: You pretend that God is there beside you listening with utmost attention to your questions and concerns.

Huffington Post

A cell phone would be most useful as you can pretend to make a phone call even by leaving the phone turned off.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as you pretend" to highlight a contrast between someone's actions and their true feelings or intentions. It adds a layer of skepticism or disbelief to the description.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "as you pretend" in your writing. Overuse can make your tone sound repetitive and overly critical. Vary your language with alternatives like "as you claim" or "as you act" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as you pretend" typically functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It adds a layer of skepticism or insincerity to the action, suggesting that the person is not genuine in their behavior. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse source types.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as you pretend" is a phrase used to express skepticism or disbelief about someone's actions or statements. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and fairly common, finding frequent use in news and media. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the tone it conveys, as it can come across as critical. Consider related phrases like "as you feign" or "as you act" to vary your language. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively incorporate "as you pretend" into your writing to add depth and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you feign

Replaces "pretend" with "feign", emphasizing a deceptive appearance.

as you simulate

Substitutes "pretend" with "simulate", highlighting a deliberate imitation.

as you mimic

Replaces "pretend" with "mimic", focusing on imitation, often for humorous effect.

as you dissemble

Substitutes "pretend" with "dissemble", implying concealment of true feelings or motives.

as you act

Replaces "pretend" with "act", a more general term for behaving in a certain way.

as you make believe

Replaces "pretend" with "make believe", suggesting a childlike or fanciful deception.

as you profess

Substitutes "pretend" with "profess", implying a claim or declaration that may not be true.

as you affect

Replaces "pretend" with "affect", highlighting an artificial or studied behavior.

as you pose

Substitutes "pretend" with "pose", suggesting an assumed identity or role.

as you imagine

This phrase shifts the focus to the act of conjuring something in one's mind, often implying a detachment from reality.

FAQs

How can I use "as you pretend" in a sentence?

Use "as you pretend" to describe someone's insincere actions or feigned emotions. For example, "He smiled, but it felt forced, "as you pretend" to care, but your eyes told a different story."

What's a more formal alternative to "as you pretend"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "as you simulate" or "as you dissemble". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Is it ever appropriate to use "as you pretend" in professional writing?

While "as you pretend" is acceptable, be mindful of your tone. It can sound accusatory. Consider phrasing that focuses on observable behavior rather than assuming intent. Use alternatives like "as you profess", but ensure accuracy and fairness in your assessment.

What's the difference between "as you pretend" and "as you claim"?

"As you pretend" suggests insincerity or deception in one's actions, while ""as you claim"" focuses on the veracity of a statement. "As you pretend" highlights a discrepancy between behavior and true feelings, whereas "as you claim" questions the accuracy of an assertion.