false pretenses

USAGE SUMMARY

"false pretenses" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe behaviour intended to deceive others for one's own gain. For example, "The perpetrator was convicted of using false pretenses to defraud investors of their money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

4 4 FALSE PRETENSES, by Catherine Coulter.

The New York Times - Books

I don't want favors under false pretenses.

The New York Times - Magazine

(It had been rented to them under false pretenses).

The New Yorker

Warrants Signed by Hall and Connolly Under False Pretenses".

The New York Times

"The refugees were lured to collection points under false pretenses".

The New York Times

She said she was brought onto "Vikings" under false pretenses.

The New York Times - Arts

"You are here under false pretenses," he said.

The New York Times

"You're wearing a lab coat under false pretenses".

The New Yorker

Nonetheless I felt I'd been led there on false pretenses.

The New York Times - Arts

"They get you up under false pretenses," Mr. Lahr said.

The New York Times

Martin had reserved the place under false pretenses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false pretenses", ensure you can substantiate the claim with evidence of intentional deception aimed at gaining something of value.

Common error

Avoid using "false pretenses" to describe situations where someone made an honest mistake or lacked complete information. The phrase implies deliberate deceit, not unintentional errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false pretenses" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "under false pretenses") or as the subject of a sentence, particularly in legal or formal contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in a wide range of sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "false pretenses" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies deception employed to gain something, validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, its usage spans from describing misleading actions to formal legal contexts. Remember that using "false pretenses" implies a deliberate intent to deceive, distinguishing it from unintentional mistakes. When writing, ensure you have solid evidence to support the assertion of deceit. Alternative expressions such as "deceptive practices" or "fraudulent misrepresentation" can offer subtle differences in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive practices

Focuses on the actions taken rather than the underlying intent of deception.

fraudulent misrepresentation

More formal and legalistic term emphasizing the intentional distortion of facts.

misleading statements

Highlights the deceptive nature of the communication itself.

dishonest claims

Emphasizes the lack of integrity in the assertions made.

under false colors

An idiomatic expression suggesting a disguised or deceptive appearance.

on spurious grounds

Indicates that the basis for an action or belief is invalid or deceitful.

deceitful conduct

Broader term encompassing any behavior intended to mislead or deceive.

shameless deception

Underscores the bold and unethical nature of the deceit involved.

guileful behavior

Highlights the cunning and manipulative nature of the deceptive actions.

bad faith

Implies dishonesty or deception in dealing with others.

FAQs

How is "false pretenses" used in legal contexts?

"False pretenses" is often a legal term referring to a type of fraud where someone knowingly makes false representations to obtain money, goods, or services from another person.

What are some common synonyms for "false pretenses"?

Alternatives to "false pretenses" include "deceptive practices", "fraudulent misrepresentation", and "misleading statements", each carrying slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "under false pretenses"?

The phrase "under false pretenses" is used to describe a situation where someone is operating or acting based on a misleading or untrue representation. For example, "He gained access to the building "under false pretenses" by claiming to be a delivery driver".

What is the difference between "false pretenses" and "lying"?

"Lying" is a general term for making untrue statements. "False pretenses" specifically involves using lies or misrepresentations to obtain something of value from someone else. Thus, all instances of "false pretenses" involve lying, but not all lies constitute "false pretenses".