is just a pretext

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is just a pretext" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being used as an excuse or a cover for a different, often less acceptable, reason. Example: "His claim of needing more time to complete the project is just a pretext for his lack of preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Often, this argument is just a pretext.

The New York Times

But that bit of gruesomeness is just a pretext.

The New Yorker

Mr Yunus says this is just a pretext for a power grab.

The Economist

But opponents say the talk of improving Indiana's business climate is just a pretext.

The New York Times

This is just a pretext for Alicia to attack a one armed Nicki before the match even begins.

Independent

Most of the choreography is just a pretext for what follows, a move the Dazzle Dancers refer to as "the doggie pile" melt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

4.25pm: Freedman asks if Blair ever suggested the UN route was just a pretext.

The Guardian

Hecuba fiercely claims that the alleged grounds for the war was just a pretext for a marauding foreign adventure and genocide: "Helen does not exist.

Independent

When it transpired that they did not, Muslims and many others began to assume that they had been just a pretext.

The Economist

That's just a pretext, though, for this baggy two-person comedy of manners that aims to be intellectually provocative but can't rise above the smugly silly.

The New York Times

In reality, the "evidence establishes" that the voting rights explanation was just "a pretext" and that Ross "acted in bad faith" when he claimed otherwise.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "is just a pretext" when you want to convey that a stated reason is not the real reason, but rather a cover for a different, often less acceptable, motive. It adds a layer of suspicion or skepticism to your writing.

Common error

While "is just a pretext" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced language to maintain a professional tone, such as "is not the primary motivation" or "serves as a secondary justification".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is just a pretext" functions as a predicative expression, typically used to express skepticism or disagreement with a stated reason or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is just a pretext" is a common and grammatically correct way to express skepticism about a stated reason, implying a hidden motive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in news and media to convey doubt. While suitable for general use, consider more formal alternatives in academic or business contexts. Related phrases include "is merely an excuse" and "is simply a facade", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. Be mindful of the potential for overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely an excuse

Emphasizes the insincerity of the stated reason.

is simply a facade

Highlights the deceptive nature of the stated reason, suggesting it hides a different reality.

is nothing but a cover

Suggests the stated reason is intended to conceal something else.

is only a smokescreen

Implies the stated reason is meant to obscure the true purpose or intention.

is a flimsy excuse

Highlights the weakness and unconvincing nature of the stated reason.

is a poor justification

Focuses on the inadequacy of the stated reason as a valid explanation.

is a deceptive tactic

Indicates that the stated reason is part of a deliberate strategy to mislead.

is a false pretense

Stresses the untruthfulness of the stated reason.

is a convenient excuse

Highlights the opportunism and self-serving nature of the stated reason.

serves as a front

Suggests that the stated reason is masking a hidden operation or activity.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "is just a pretext"?

Saying something "is just a pretext" means that the stated reason or justification is not the real reason. It implies that there's a hidden or ulterior motive behind the action or statement.

How can I use "is just a pretext" in a sentence?

You can use it to express skepticism about a stated reason. For example: "The stated reason for the budget cuts "is just a pretext"; the real goal is to consolidate power."

What can I say instead of "is just a pretext"?

You can use alternatives like "is merely an excuse", "is simply a facade", or "is nothing but a cover" depending on the context.

Is "is just a pretext" formal or informal?

"Is just a pretext" is suitable for neutral contexts, like news reports or general discussions. In formal or academic settings, consider using alternatives that convey a more nuanced or professional tone.