free of pretense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "free of pretense" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be honest and genuine without any false appearances or intentions. It can be used in various contexts, such as when describing someone's behavior or demeanor. Example: His words were sincere and free of pretense, showing his true feelings and intentions. Example: The restaurant prides itself on providing a dining experience that is free of pretense, with a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Obama was singing Bourdain's song: earthy, fresh, free of pretense.

The New Yorker

Cotton's unapologetic love of luxury, in other words, is free of pretense.

The New York Times

Under the eye of Carl McCoy, the proprietor, the dining room staff is calmly professional, utterly free of pretense and attitude.

The New York Times - Food

"Lost in a Dream" (ECM), due out on March 9, features music from that run — some old songs and some new ones, all but one by Mr. Motian — and its patient, earnest undertone feels free of pretense.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know what brought the ex-presidents to Jersey City, but their benign presence seems to have rubbed off on the servers, who are unusually friendly and free of pretense, and on the amateur disc jockey who stocked the playlist with tunes like "Don't Worry, Be Happy".

The New York Times - Food

Perhaps it is only at the margins where people have so little to lose that they are free of pretense, unwilling to play the games which draw the rest of us in too much of the time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There is not a lot of pretense.

The New York Times

The lack of pretense is almost insulting.

The Guardian - Opinion

A place without a lot of pretense.

The New York Times

Add to this a sheen of pretense.

The New York Times - Arts

But he was a great satirist of pretense and convention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for authenticity in your writing, consider whether the subjects you are describing are truly "free of pretense", or if there are subtle forms of affectation at play.

Common error

Avoid using "free of pretense" when describing situations where tact or diplomacy is required. While honesty is valuable, some social contexts demand a degree of artifice to maintain harmony; complete absence of pretense can be jarring or even rude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free of pretense" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something lacking in artificiality or insincerity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight genuineness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Food

17%

Arts

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "free of pretense" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe something genuine and without artificiality. Ludwig AI highlights its use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, food, and arts. It's important to consider the context when using this phrase, as complete absence of pretense may not always be appropriate. Alternatives like "unpretentious", "genuine", or "authentic" can be used to convey similar meanings while adjusting the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpretentious

Similar to the original phrase but uses a single word for conciseness.

without affectation

Focuses on the absence of artificial behavior intended to impress.

sincere and genuine

Highlights honesty and authenticity in expression and behavior.

unaffected

Stresses the natural and spontaneous quality of someone's actions or words.

down to earth

Indicates a practical, realistic, and approachable demeanor.

without airs

Emphasizes the absence of haughtiness or snobbery.

genuine article

Suggests authenticity and lack of imitation.

authentic and real

Reinforces the idea of being true to oneself and not putting on a show.

honest and straightforward

Highlights truthfulness and directness in communication.

plainspoken

Emphasizes clarity and simplicity in speech, avoiding jargon or embellishment.

FAQs

How can I use "free of pretense" in a sentence?

You can use "free of pretense" to describe something that is genuine and without artificiality. For example, "The conversation was refreshing because it was "free of pretense"."

What are some alternatives to saying "free of pretense"?

Some alternatives include "unpretentious", "genuine", or "authentic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "free of pretense" or diplomatic?

It depends on the situation. Being "free of pretense" can foster honesty and trust, but diplomacy may be necessary in sensitive situations where complete candor could be harmful or inappropriate.

What does it mean when someone is described as "down to earth"?

Being "down to earth" is similar to being "free of pretense". It suggests that someone is approachable, practical, and not overly concerned with status or appearances.