feign surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

"feign surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of pretending to be surprised in a situation, particularly one in which you already know the outcome. For example, "John feigned surprise when he opened the birthday present he had already seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

As I said, there's no reason to feign surprise.

The New York Times

It's beyond my thespian capabilities to feign surprise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We always feign surprise when an actor of ours is embraced by Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

Now more than ever, no one should feign surprise or innocence about this.

The New York Times

When they suddenly take center stage, illuminated by the flash and flicker of Molotov cocktails, we feign surprise.

The Washington Post

He said no one could feign surprise about this position, because Labor had been "clear about our views on that".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"This is the first I'm hearing this concern!" Mann said, feigning surprise.

The New Yorker

Feigning surprise, the British and French issued an ultimatum to both sides to cease fire.

The Economist

Next, Ruth feigns surprise at the overkill inflicted on her husband.

The New York Times - Books

He seemed pleased to be accosted by staff and patrons alike, feigning surprise at every compliment.

The New Yorker

On encountering an American today, one security official feigned surprise that he was still in Israel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feign surprise" when you want to highlight the insincerity or artificiality of a reaction. It's often employed to convey skepticism or to imply that someone is not being genuine in their expression of surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "feign surprise" when genuine surprise is intended. This phrase specifically denotes a lack of authenticity in the expression of surprise, so using it inappropriately can change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feign surprise" functions as a verb phrase where "feign" is the verb indicating pretense and "surprise" is the noun representing the emotion being faked. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage, which involves simulating an emotional state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feign surprise" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of pretending to be surprised. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily used to indicate insincerity or a lack of genuine emotion, often implying that someone is putting on an act. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for conveying information objectively. While it's a useful phrase, remember to ensure the context aligns with its specific nuance to avoid misrepresenting genuine surprise. Alternative phrases like "pretend to be surprised" or "act surprised" can offer slight variations in emphasis, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretend to be surprised

This alternative directly states the act of pretending, emphasizing the lack of genuine emotion.

act surprised

This phrase is shorter and more informal, focusing on the action of portraying surprise.

fake astonishment

This alternative uses a stronger word, "astonishment", to imply a greater degree of feigned emotion.

simulate surprise

This suggests a more calculated and deliberate effort to create an appearance of surprise.

put on a show of surprise

This phrase indicates a performance or display intended to deceive.

manufacture a look of surprise

This suggests that the surprise is completely fabricated and artificial.

affect surprise

This is a more formal way of saying to pretend or feign surprise.

play the role of being surprised

This emphasizes the performative aspect of feigning surprise, as if acting in a play.

feign disbelief

Changes the emotion being faked from surprise to disbelief, a closely related emotion.

counterfeit amazement

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary to describe the artificial creation of a feeling of wonder.

FAQs

How can I use "feign surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "feign surprise" to describe someone pretending to be surprised, like in the sentence: "She tried to "feign surprise" when she saw the gift, even though she knew about it already."

What are some alternatives to "feign surprise"?

Some alternatives include "pretend to be surprised", "act surprised", or "fake astonishment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "feign surprise" and "be surprised"?

"Be surprised" indicates a genuine emotional response, while ""feign surprise"" means to pretend to be surprised, implying a lack of authentic emotion.

When is it appropriate to use "feign surprise" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "feign surprise" when you want to emphasize that someone is being insincere or disingenuous in their expression of surprise. It's useful for showing skepticism or suggesting that someone is putting on an act.