cheap pretense for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap pretense for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is a superficial or insincere attempt to justify or cover up a situation or action. Example: "The new policy was seen as a cheap pretense for cutting costs while claiming to improve employee welfare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hasn't the war on Iraq taught us that "humanitarian intervention" is a cheap pretense for occupying geopolitically significant countries with large oil reserves?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To skeptics, the parity mantra sounded like a flimsy pretense for slashing player salaries.

The New York Times - Sports

("I'm writing this to warn you!" becomes the pretense for much self-regard).

The New Yorker

It has been hard shouldering all that pretense for so long.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Afremov, who claimed that the accusations were a pretense for the Amplatz family to wipe out his equity, sued.

Forbes

Cheap exclusivity, for one thing.

The New York Times

Not cheap enough for you?

Forbes

Cheap code word for Jew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A: The cheaper ones are cheap for a reason.

Huffington Post

That's a lot of layers of pretense, even for advertising.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cheap pretense for", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action or justification being described is not only insincere but also poorly executed or easily seen through.

Common error

Avoid using "cheap pretense for" in formal or academic writing where more nuanced and sophisticated language is expected. Consider alternatives like "superficial justification" or "inadequate rationale" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap pretense for" functions as a critical descriptor, typically modifying a noun or action. It signifies that something is presented as a justification or reason but is actually of poor quality and easily exposed as insincere. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cheap pretense for" is a phrase used to denote a flimsy, easily discernible insincerity or justification, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in neutral contexts like news and media, it serves to express skepticism or disapproval. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously in formal writing. Ludwig provides examples that showcase its usage. Alternatives include "flimsy excuse for" or "thinly veiled justification for". Ensure the context aligns with the intended connotation of insincerity and poor quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct but relatively rare, making its precise application crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flimsy excuse for

Focuses on the weakness and inadequacy of the excuse.

poor substitute for

Highlights the inferior quality of the replacement or justification.

thinly veiled justification for

Emphasizes the lack of concealment and obviousness of the true motive.

transparent cover for

Stresses the ease with which the true intention can be seen through the facade.

weak rationale for

Points out the deficiency and unconvincing nature of the reasoning.

superficial pretext for

Underscores the shallow and surface-level nature of the given reason.

insincere facade for

Highlights the lack of genuineness and the deceptive nature of the presentation.

bogus justification for

Emphasizes the falseness and illegitimacy of the provided reason.

artificial guise for

Draws attention to the contrived and unnatural aspect of the deceptive appearance.

contrived excuse for

Focuses on the deliberate and planned nature of the fabricated reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "cheap pretense for" to criticize a flimsy or insincere justification. For instance, "The company's diversity initiative was seen as a "cheap pretense for" avoiding genuine efforts to address systemic inequality."

What are some alternatives to "cheap pretense for"?

Consider using alternatives like "flimsy excuse for", "thinly veiled justification for", or "superficial pretext for" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "cheap pretense for" considered formal or informal language?

"Cheap pretense for" leans towards informal language. In formal contexts, consider more sophisticated synonyms such as "inadequate justification" or "superficial rationale".

What does "cheap" imply in the phrase "cheap pretense for"?

In this context, "cheap" doesn't refer to monetary cost, but rather to the low quality or poor execution of the pretense, suggesting it is easily seen through and unconvincing.