he pretended that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he pretended that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is acting as if something is true, even though it is not. Example: "He pretended that he was not afraid of the dark, but deep down, he was terrified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He pretended that he was dead.

The Guardian

He pretended that Britain could have it both ways.

The New York Times

Unable to pay the actors, he pretended that he had an offer from Miramax.

The New Yorker

(He never received a degree, however, though for years he pretended that he had).

The New Yorker

He pretended that there were magical realms hidden behind the sliding shoji screens in his family's little house.

The New Yorker

Taylor had to have noticed, as he circumnavigated the instrument, the sparse audience; he pretended that it didn't matter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He doesn't talk about "individual choice," nor does he pretend that cigarettes aren't addictive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nor did he pretend that everything was under control all the time.

The Guardian - Sport

Nor does he pretend that it is easy.

The New York Times - Arts

He pretends that this was his choice: "Something in me was attracted to women who said no".

The New York Times - Books

He pretends that everything is normal and fends off social workers and the predatory landlord.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he pretended that" to clearly indicate someone's deliberate attempt to create a false impression. Ensure the context makes it clear what the person was trying to conceal or misrepresent.

Common error

Avoid using "he pretended that" when someone genuinely believes something, even if that belief is incorrect. "Pretend" implies intentional deception, so use phrases like "he believed that" or "he thought that" to indicate a sincere, though possibly mistaken, conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he pretended that" functions as a clause connector, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a false or insincere statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he pretended that" is a versatile phrase used to indicate insincerity, deception, or make-believe. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, you can find it in encyclopedias and other writing types. When using this phrase, make sure to clearly signal the difference between the character's outward behavior and their true state of mind. Avoid using it when describing sincere but mistaken beliefs. Alternatives like "he feigned that" or "he acted as if" offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he feigned that

Changes the verb to "feigned", implying a more deliberate act of deception.

he acted as if

Uses a more general term, "acted", suggesting the pretense was conveyed through actions.

he made believe that

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect of the pretense, as if playing a game.

he dissembled that

Implies a more formal and strategic concealment of true feelings or intentions.

he put on a show that

Suggests a performance intended to deceive or impress.

he simulated that

Implies a careful imitation of something, often to deceive.

he professed that

Indicates a claim made openly, but perhaps insincerely.

he played the part that

Suggests adopting a specific role or character for a deceptive purpose.

he feigned to believe that

Adds a layer of complexity, suggesting he pretended to accept something as true.

he gave the impression that

Focuses on the effect created, rather than the intention behind it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he pretended that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "he feigned that" or "he dissembled that", which imply a more deliberate act of deception.

What's the difference between "he pretended that" and "he acted as if"?

"He pretended that" specifically implies an intentional deception through words or actions. "He acted as if" is a broader term, suggesting the pretense was conveyed through behavior, but not necessarily with deceptive intent.

Is it ever appropriate to use "he pretended that" in a positive context?

While "he pretended that" usually suggests deception, it can be used in a positive context to describe imaginative play. For example, "He pretended that he was a superhero" indicates harmless make-believe.

What are some common synonyms for the verb "pretend"?

Common synonyms for "pretend" include "feign", "simulate", "dissemble", "make believe", and "act as if". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.