feign that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feign that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express that someone is pretending or faking a particular state or feeling. Example: "She decided to feign that she was happy, even though she was upset." Alternative expressions include "pretend that" and "fake that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I am tempted by notions of how much higher I could soar   It may be terrifically trendy among my Corbyn-loving peers to feign that money is of no great importance, will not make you happier, and that fortnight-long jaunts to Antigua are tawdry because, hey, isn't it nicer to holiday in Lowestoft eating home-made Shippam's bloater paste sandwiches, while observing an RNLI display?

Independent

The Republican approach to race is to feign that it is irrelevant — until it becomes politically advantageous to bring it up.

The New York Times

Canadian Visa au Lait Maple syrup, poutine, and a lock of Celine Dion's extensions come together in this holiday favorite that's sure to make you weep into your French phrase book, which you only bought because you have to at least feign that you're going to move to Canada like you said.

The New Yorker

It also alleged that protesters were accompanied by "a line of ambulances" out of which they took blood bags to "feign that they had been injured".

Wikipedia

Try to feign that you have zero interest in her.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And in the 10th, when he feigned that low blow, it was disgusting.

The Guardian - Sport

The Zune hasn't seen iPod-like success but most gadget feigns that give it a try find the Zune is, in fact, vastly superior to the iPod.

TechCrunch

And supposing, or feigning, that among those co-existents there is a sufficient number of them which have undergone no change, then we may say, that those which have such a relation to those fixed existents, as others had to them before, now have the same place which those others had.

SEP

Her relationship with her co-star (Cassavetes) has burned out; she's middle-aged and alone; and she finds that she can no longer bear to separate her life from her art, to say lines and perform actions and feign emotions that are not her own.

The New Yorker

Habib, Dia's friend, explained that he had feigned sickness that morning to avoid having to go to the army logistics headquarters where he worked.

The New York Times

Second, despite the double standard, the outrage is still sincere and deeply threatening to pro-American Arab governments; there is a tendency among Israel's supporters to assume that the rage must be feigned, but that's a fantasy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feign that" to describe a deliberate act of pretending, especially when highlighting the insincerity or artificiality of the action. This emphasizes the discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Common error

While "feign that" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "pretend that" or "fake that" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feign that" functions as a verb phrase followed by a conjunction, primarily to introduce a clause that describes the act of pretending or simulating something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feign that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of pretending or simulating something, often with an implication of insincerity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and wiki sources. For a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "pretend that" or "fake that". This phrase is best suited for scenarios where you want to emphasize the artificiality or deceptiveness of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretend that

This is a direct synonym, implying an act of imitation or make-believe.

simulate that

Suggests a more deliberate and calculated act of imitation, often to achieve a specific effect.

fake that

An informal synonym, implying a less convincing or genuine pretense.

make believe that

Highlights the imaginative aspect of pretending, often used in contexts involving children or fantasy.

profess that

Implies a declaration of something that may not be sincerely felt or believed.

affect that

Suggests adopting a behavior or mannerism insincerely to impress others.

sham that

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the pretense, implying dishonesty.

dissemble that

A more formal term for concealing one's true feelings or intentions.

put on that

Suggests a conscious and deliberate performance of a particular emotion or state.

masquerade as

Implies a more elaborate and sustained act of deception, often involving a change in appearance or identity.

FAQs

What does "feign that" mean?

"Feign that" means to pretend or simulate something, typically a feeling, state, or condition, often with the intention to deceive or mislead.

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

You might say, "He tried to "feign that" he was not bothered by the criticism, but his trembling hands betrayed him."

Are there synonyms for "feign that"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "pretend that", "simulate that", or "fake that" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "feign that" and "pretend that"?

While both imply pretending, "feign that" often carries a stronger connotation of insincerity or deception compared to the more neutral ""pretend that"".