feigned innocence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feigned innocence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone pretends to be innocent or unaware of wrongdoing. Example: "Despite the evidence against him, he maintained his feigned innocence throughout the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Neither recalled the game's origins, but they'd been punished for it on many occasions and had always feigned innocence.

The New Yorker

I would renounce those who feigned innocence or slight stupidity in order to create empathy in their readers; I would never fall into the trap of candor.

The New Yorker

A sneaky sense of humor, a feigned innocence entered the poems and stayed: "Reading in Li Po / how 'the peach blossom follows the water' / I keep thinking of you / because you were so much like / Chairman Mao, / naturally with the sex / transposed / and the figure slighter".

The New Yorker

The principal Hamas leaders — Zahar and Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza, and Musa Abu-Marzuq and Khaled Mashel in Damascus — have never feigned innocence of the attacks committed in their name, but they are fairly schooled in the arts of diplomatic wrangling and media manipulation.

The New Yorker

And if you're into sports, you might struggle to get past Schultz's shameful treatment of Seattle basketball loyalists (Schultz sold the NBA Seattle Sonics to out-of-towner buyers, at times acting childish as an owner, then feigned innocence when the franchise moved to Oklahoma City).

Forbes

Then, executing a hasty if bloody pirouette, it feigned innocence for the awful mess.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Feigning innocence, he hid the pack under his arm while the manager searched him.

The New Yorker

But he's also great at feigning innocence himself, so each shot is as if it's his first.

The Guardian - Film

As the latter glanced around for the culprit, Ovechkin looked away, feigning innocence, until he turned and grinned mischievously at his coach, who broke into laughter.

The Washington Post

The real import of this newly revealed anecdote should be that no one can credibly feign innocence about this game any longer.

The Washington Post

It cannot now feign innocence of its predatory past in the face of the Islamist backlash it has helped to unleash.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feigned innocence" to describe a deliberate act of pretending not to know something or not to be guilty, especially when there is evidence to the contrary. It is effective in highlighting deception.

Common error

Avoid using "feigned innocence" when someone is genuinely unaware or mistaken. The phrase implies a calculated attempt to mislead, not simply a lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feigned innocence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a state or quality that someone is falsely portraying. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feigned innocence" is a noun phrase used to describe the act of pretending to be innocent, especially when evidence suggests otherwise. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, most notably in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider the subtle differences between it and alternatives like "pretended ignorance" or "sham innocence", each carrying slightly different connotations. Using "feigned innocence" effectively requires ensuring the subject is indeed attempting to deceive and isn't simply mistaken or ignorant. In summary, this phrase is a powerful tool for highlighting deception, but its accuracy is crucial for maintaining credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sham innocence

Highlights that the innocence is not real, but a deception

affected innocence

Stresses the artificial and contrived nature of the displayed innocence.

counterfeit innocence

Highlights the fraudulent character of the displayed innocence.

pretended ignorance

Focuses more on the 'not knowing' aspect rather than the overall innocence.

put-on innocence

Emphasizes the theatrical or performed aspect of the innocence.

false naivete

Emphasizes a deceptive simplicity or lack of experience.

simulated ignorance

Highlights the act of deliberately creating a false impression of not knowing.

contrived ignorance

Suggests the ignorance is elaborately planned and artificial.

acted cluelessness

Shifts the focus to pretending to be unaware or uninformed.

assumed innocence

Suggests innocence is merely a presumption and is not proven.

FAQs

How can I use "feigned innocence" in a sentence?

You can use "feigned innocence" to describe someone who is pretending to be innocent, like in the sentence: "Despite the obvious evidence, he maintained a posture of "feigned innocence"."

What are some synonyms for "feigned innocence"?

Alternatives to "feigned innocence" include phrases like "pretended ignorance", "affected innocence", or "sham innocence".

What is the difference between "feigned innocence" and genuine ignorance?

"Feigned innocence" implies a deliberate act of deception, where someone pretends not to know something. Genuine ignorance, on the other hand, refers to a true lack of knowledge or awareness.

Is "feigned ignorance" a valid alternative to "feigned innocence"?

While both phrases involve deception, "feigned ignorance" focuses specifically on pretending not to know something, whereas "feigned innocence" implies a broader act of pretending not to be guilty or involved in wrongdoing. So it depends on context.