feigning as

USAGE SUMMARY

"Feigning as" is not correct in standard written English. It is more appropriate to use "feigning" or "pretending to be." Example: "He was feigning as a doctor to gain trust." Alternative expressions include "pretending to be" and "posing as."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Smith compared passages such as Bacon's "Poetry is nothing else but feigned history" with Shakespeare's "The truest poetry is the most feigning" (As You Like It, 3.3.19 20), and Bacon's "He wished him not to shut the gate of your Majesty's mercy" with Shakespeare's "The gates of mercy shall be all shut up" (Henry V, 3.3.10).

Wikipedia

The truest Frost was the most feigning, as these letters reveal time and again.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(The alacrity with which he went to work for them fueled accusations that his conversion to the Ismāʿīlīte faith was feigned, as well as rumours that he betrayed the city's defenses).

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a second or two, Williams feigned as if he were helpless.

The New York Times - Sports

But if the transition is managed, or feigned as somehow appropriate (inevitable, rather than the brutal realpolitik it is), then the victor is inevitably tarnished.

The Guardian

The next minute, Mayweather feigned as if to hug Ortiz, stepped back, and hit him hard, twice, first with a quick left hook and then with a devastating right hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Dressed in white, her long red hair falling like layers of confection around her face, Juliet declares her annoyance: "Had she affections and warm youthful blood, / She would be as swift in motion as a ball... / But old folks, many feign as they were dead, / Unwieldy, slow, heavy, and pale as lead".

The New Yorker

Homophobia is feigned as a way of asserting one's heterosexuality; being gay is still unusual enough to be the most regular subject of school gossip.Related topics Electric vehicles Technology Automotive technology Science and technology Britain's ParliamentOn immigration and Europe, mine is a generation that has never heard a counter-argument to the United Kingdom Independence Party.

The Economist

All these are well-known human traits, and they shouldn't really cause Marcus, a social psychologist, as much surprise as he feigns, as he races the reader through example after example of the ways that humans fail to live up to the expectations of logicians.

The Guardian - Books

For all the aforementioned positions, Hassan Rouhani feigned as a PhD holder and as "Doctor Rouhani".

Huffington Post

On the May 12 episode of Raw, Jericho offered his apologies to Michaels for accusing him of feigning an injury, as well as giving Michaels the opportunity to back out of their match.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the grammatically questionable phrase "feigning as", opt for more standard constructions like "feigning illness" or "pretending to be". This enhances clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "feigning as" because it is grammatically incorrect. "Feigning" already implies pretense; adding "as" creates redundancy and grammatical awkwardness. Instead, use "feigning" followed by the thing being feigned, or use "pretending to be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feigning as" attempts to function as a verb phrase indicating pretense or imitation. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase does not follow standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feigning as" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. While it appears in some contexts, including news media and encyclopedias, its usage is infrequent and not recommended. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase does not align with standard English grammar. It's advisable to use alternatives like "pretending to be" or "acting as if" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. Opting for these alternatives enhances the credibility and effectiveness of your writing, especially in formal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pretending to be

This alternative directly replaces "feigning as" with a more common and grammatically correct expression for imitation.

Feigning to be

This corrects the grammatical structure of the original phrase while keeping the core meaning.

Simulating

This option uses a single verb to convey the act of creating a false appearance of something.

Acting as if

This phrase suggests a behavioral imitation, implying a deliberate act of pretense.

Posing as

This suggests that someone is falsely presenting themselves as someone or something they are not.

Faking

A more direct and informal way to express pretending or feigning.

Making believe

This phrase is less formal but conveys the same idea of creating a false reality.

Shamming

This alternative implies a deceptive pretense, often to avoid responsibility or duty.

Masquerading as

This suggests a disguise or concealment of one's true identity or nature.

Assuming the role of

This suggests taking on a false persona or character, implying a performance.

FAQs

How can I use the word "feigning" correctly in a sentence?

Use "feigning" directly followed by what is being faked, such as "feigning illness" or "feigning ignorance". Alternatively, use phrases like "pretending to be" or "acting as if".

Is "feigning as" grammatically correct?

No, "feigning as" is not grammatically correct. The word "feigning" already implies pretense, so adding "as" is redundant. It's better to use just "feigning" or rephrase the sentence using "pretending to be".

What's a formal alternative to "feigning"?

A formal alternative to "feigning" could be "simulating" or "assuming the role of", depending on the context.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the word "feigning"?

A common mistake is using "feigning as", which is grammatically incorrect. Also, ensure that the context makes it clear what is being feigned. For example, "He was acting as if he was ill" is clearer than "He was feigning as if he was ill".