deceive them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deceive them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of misleading or tricking someone. Example: "He tried to deceive them into believing that he was telling the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He will deceive them and he will give you victory.

The New York Times

Some say that one double would deceive them, but never four different ones.

The New Yorker

"But attempts to manipulate citizens of Russia, to deceive them, to inflame social tensions is unacceptable.

The New York Times

It seems that they figured a sophisticated ruse was necessary to deceive them.

The Guardian

To tout even wholesome products to children, some claim, is to exploit their naivety and thus to deceive them.

The Economist

Federal regulations require municipal bond underwriters to deal fairly with cities and not mislead or deceive them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"They deceived them," Fauzia said.

The New York Times

Or was it possible that their eyes had deceived them?

The New York Times

Does that mean men assume women are deceiving them?

The Guardian

Viewers know when a network is deceiving them.

The New York Times - Sports

Are we supposed to believe that their driver deceives them?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deceive them", ensure the context clearly indicates the method and intent of the deception. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "deceive them" without specifying how the deception occurs. Without context, the statement can be vague and lack impact. Instead of saying "He tried to deceive them", specify what lie he told or what actions he took to mislead them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deceive them" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "deceive" is the verb and "them" is the object. It describes the action of misleading or tricking a group of people. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deceive them" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of misleading or tricking a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in scientific and wiki contexts. While its register is generally neutral, providing context is important to ensure clarity and impact. Related phrases include "mislead them", "trick them", and "fool them", each carrying slightly different connotations. Overall, "deceive them" is a versatile phrase suitable for a wide range of writing situations, emphasizing the importance of accurately conveying the act of deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trick them

Implies a playful or less serious form of deception.

mislead them

Suggests guiding someone in the wrong direction, not necessarily intentionally.

fool them

Similar to "trick them" but can also suggest naivety on the part of those being deceived.

hoodwink them

Suggests a clever and cunning method of deception.

delude them

Implies causing someone to believe something that is not true.

swindle them

Focuses specifically on financial deception.

defraud them

Specifically relates to gaining something through deception.

lead them astray

Suggests a moral or ethical deviation caused by deception.

take them in

An idiomatic expression for deceiving or tricking someone.

bluff them

Suggests deception through a display of confidence or strength that isn't genuine.

FAQs

What does "deceive them" mean?

"Deceive them" means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically to gain a personal advantage. It involves intentionally misleading or tricking people.

What can I say instead of "deceive them"?

You can use alternatives like "mislead them", "trick them", or "fool them" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "deceive them" formal or informal?

"Deceive them" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and situation will influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "deceive them" and "betray them"?

"Deceive them" focuses on misleading someone, while "betray them" implies a breach of trust or loyalty. You deceive someone by making them believe something false; you betray someone by violating their trust.