good at pretending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good at pretending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is skilled at acting or feigning emotions or situations that are not genuine. Example: "She is so good at pretending that she enjoys the party, even though she would rather be at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I have always been good at pretending".

The New York Times

She's very good at pretending, but she really does care.

The Guardian

Fanny Ardant says she is very good at pretending.

The Guardian

"I wouldn't be very good at pretending to be her friend if I wasn't," he said.

The New York Times

So far, the Russians have been very good at pretending things are going well for them.

The New York Times

Are you still any good at pretending to be a tree like we had to in drama class at school?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We Are Handsome There was plenty of incentive to go to the gym, or at least to look good while pretending to, in the new activewear range unveiled by We Are Handsome on the tennis courts at White City.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Have a good time pretending that you are still a great university of thought and diversity.

University of California, Berkeley

Wolf howling, good for pretending the moon is out.

WikiHow

Good for pretending to be Dog/Cat Play.

WikiHow

It is no good pretending there isn't".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to convincingly portray a specific emotion or character, use "good at pretending" followed by the specific attribute they are feigning, for example: "She's good at pretending to be happy, even when she's sad."

Common error

While "good at pretending" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound simplistic. Opt for alternatives like "adept at feigning" or "skilled in simulation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good at pretending" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's skill in deception or acting. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good at pretending" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's skill in feigning emotions or situations. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness across various written contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and scientific sources, suggesting a generally neutral register. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "adept at feigning" or "skilled at acting". Overall, "good at pretending" effectively conveys the idea of skillful deception or performance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adept at feigning

Focuses on skillful deception, emphasizing the ability to create a false impression.

skilled at acting

Highlights the proficiency in performance, particularly in adopting a persona.

proficient in deception

Emphasizes the expertise in misleading others, often with a negative connotation.

talented in mimicry

Stresses the ability to imitate or simulate actions and expressions convincingly.

master of disguise

Implies exceptional skill in concealing one's true identity or nature.

capable of dissembling

Highlights the ability to conceal one's true motives or feelings.

accomplished in fabrication

Focuses on the expertise in creating false stories or accounts.

expert in simulation

Stresses the skill in creating a realistic representation or imitation.

gifted in impersonation

Emphasizes the natural talent for mimicking someone's personality or behavior.

deceptive by nature

Highlights a person's inherent inclination toward dishonesty and misrepresentation.

FAQs

How can I use "good at pretending" in a sentence?

You can use "good at pretending" to describe someone's skill in convincingly feigning emotions or situations. For instance, "He's "good at pretending" he understands quantum physics, even though he doesn't."

What are some alternatives to saying "good at pretending"?

Alternatives include "adept at feigning", "skilled at acting", or "proficient in deception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "good at pretending"?

The phrase is generally acceptable, but in very formal or academic writing, using a more sophisticated phrase like "adept at simulating" might be preferable.

What's the difference between being "good at pretending" and simply being a "good actor"?

While both involve portraying someone or something one is not, "good at pretending" often implies a less professional or formal context than being a "good actor". The former can apply to everyday situations, while the latter usually refers to theatrical performance.