he pretends that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he pretends that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's behavior of feigning or acting as if something is true when it is not. Example: "He pretends that he knows everything about the project, but in reality, he is quite inexperienced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

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

In one call he pretends that his car has crashed, and that Maru is gravely injured.

The New York Times

He pretends that Boehner's offer to raise revenue by eliminating deductions rather than by raising rates is fiscally impossible.

The Washington Post

When friends are succumbing with horrible frequency to HIV and Aids he pretends that he too is infected.

The Guardian - Books

Later he deliberately smashes his automobile at the portals of the Baron's chateau, and then he pretends that he has sprained his ankle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 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

He pretended that he was dead.

The Guardian

He pretended that Britain could have it both ways.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he pretends that" to clearly indicate a discrepancy between appearance and reality, highlighting a deliberate act of deception or role-playing. Ensure the context provides sufficient evidence or clues to support the claim of pretense.

Common error

Avoid using "he pretends that" without providing adequate context or evidence. Ensure that the surrounding sentences clearly establish the falseness of the claim or behavior being described. Otherwise, it might sound like an unsubstantiated accusation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he pretends that" serves as a clause introducer, indicating that the subject's expressed belief or behavior is not genuine. It often sets up a contrast between appearance and reality, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Books

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he pretends that" is a versatile phrase used to express that someone is acting in a deceptive or disingenuous manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's essential to provide supporting context when using this phrase, mastering its usage can add depth and nuance to your writing, clearly signaling skepticism or disbelief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he acts as if

Focuses on the outward behavior rather than the internal intent, suggesting a performance.

he feigns that

Implies a deliberate attempt to create a false impression, often to deceive.

he makes believe that

Suggests a more playful or imaginative form of pretense, like a child's game.

he gives the impression that

Highlights the perception created, without necessarily implying intentional deception.

he puts on a show that

Emphasizes the theatrical nature of the pretense, implying a deliberate performance.

he affects that

Implies a superficial or artificial adoption of a certain manner or behavior.

he simulates that

Suggests a close imitation or replication of something, often to mislead.

he dissembles that

Indicates a concealment of one's true feelings or motives behind a false appearance.

he purports that

Claims something to be true, often without sufficient evidence or justification.

he professes that

Formally declares or affirms something, often with a strong conviction, which may be insincere.

FAQs

What does "he pretends that" mean?

The phrase "he pretends that" means he is behaving as if something is true when it is not. It suggests an element of deception or role-playing.

What are some alternatives to "he pretends that"?

You can use alternatives like "he acts as if", "he feigns that", or "he makes believe that" depending on the context.

How can I use "he pretends that" in a sentence?

You can use "he pretends that" to show a contrast between someone's outward behavior and their true feelings or intentions. For example, "He pretends that he is not nervous, but his shaking hands betray him."

Is there a difference between "he pretends that" and "he thinks that"?

"He pretends that" implies deception or a false appearance, whereas "he thinks that" simply indicates a belief or opinion, without any implication of dishonesty. One suggests falsehood, the other is neutral.