do we pretend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do we pretend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning whether someone is acting in a false or insincere manner, often in a hypothetical or reflective context. Example: "In this situation, do we pretend that everything is fine, or do we address the underlying issues?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Why do we pretend we don't know this?

Independent

"Why do we pretend schools have got better?

The Guardian

Why do we pretend otherwise when the kids are in the room?

The New York Times

Why do we pretend that understanding business means understanding everything else, too?

The New York Times

Do we clean up our act, or do we pretend to take no notice and act even dumber?

The New York Times - Magazine

"So why do we pretend that tanks and infantry formations are going to give any country or any group of countries a total insurance?" Both sides have raised the prospect that Russia might eventually join NATO, but both the financial and political barriers to membership would seem to put that option years, perhaps decades, away unless NATO admission rules are changed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Why do we keep pretending you'll stick around?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Why do we need to pretend we don't exist?'".

Huffington Post

Do we bury them, pretending that they are not there?

Huffington Post

Why do we insist on playing pretend?

HuffPost

We don't pretend we're a model family – we are who we are.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone: "do we pretend" can sound accusatory or self-reflective. Tailor the sentence to match your intended emotional register.

Common error

Avoid using "do we pretend" too frequently in casual conversations, as it can come across as overly dramatic or insincere. Simpler phrasing like "are we really" or "are we being honest" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do we pretend" functions primarily as an interrogative clause, specifically a rhetorical question. It's used to challenge an assumed or imposed pretense. Ludwig AI examples showcase this questioning across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do we pretend" serves as a powerful rhetorical question, challenging insincerity or feigned ignorance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an interrogative clause to provoke reflection and expose discrepancies between reality and outward behavior. While grammatically correct, its usage frequency is uncommon, mainly appearing in news, scientific, and formal contexts. The neutral to formal register suggests cautious use in casual settings. When writing, ensure contextual clarity and be mindful of the tone. Consider synonyms like "are we feigning" or "are we acting as if" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we feigning

Replaces "pretend" with "feigning", emphasizing the act of displaying something insincerely.

are we acting as if

Adds the "acting as if" to emphasize the performance or charade aspect.

do we deceive ourselves

Shifts the focus to self-deception rather than outward pretense.

do we turn a blind eye

Focuses on ignoring something rather than actively pretending.

do we play along

Emphasizes participation in a pretense rather than initiating it.

do we ignore the truth

Highlights the act of disregarding reality instead of creating a false image.

are we just going to ignore

Emphasizes ignoring a situation, implying a lack of action or acknowledgement.

do we remain silent

Focuses on the lack of vocal acknowledgement or challenge to a situation.

do we accept the facade

Highlights the acceptance of a false appearance or deception.

are we complicit in this charade

Implicates involvement in a deceptive or insincere performance.

FAQs

What does "do we pretend" mean?

The phrase "do we pretend" is a rhetorical question that challenges the act of feigning ignorance, insincerity, or compliance with something that is not true or genuine. It questions whether a deceptive appearance is being maintained.

How can I use "do we pretend" in a sentence?

Use "do we pretend" to question a collective or individual's deliberate act of ignoring reality or truth. For example: "Do we pretend that climate change isn't real, or do we take action?"

What can I say instead of "do we pretend"?

You can use alternatives like "are we feigning", "are we acting as if", or "do we deceive ourselves" depending on the context.

Is "do we pretend" formal or informal?

"Do we pretend" falls into a neutral register and can be used in various contexts, but avoid using it too often in casual conversations as it can sound accusatory or overly dramatic. Alternatives like "are we really" or "are we being honest" might be more appropriate.