it was pretended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was pretended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone feigned or made a false claim about something. Example: "In the play, it was pretended that the character was wealthy, but in reality, he was struggling financially."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By then, the giggles must have changed to Jovian laughter: Kaplan told me he has a number of lawyers in his family and so it was pretended that this permission to look at my archive had mysteriously de-authorized the Clemons book and my own as well.

The New York Times

For a while, it was pretended that Claudius was still alive, with all of those involved in the plot (including Halotus) undertaking their normal duties.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Others thought it was pretending to be smart but they doubted whether those who praised it understood it".

The New York Times

It is pretended that carbides in the CHT steel are cementite while those in the DCT steels are η-carbide.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

It is pretending otherwise.

The New York Times

It's pretending to be earthenware.

The Guardian - Books

It's not supposed to be real, it is pretending.

The Guardian - Film

At least, however, it is pretending to be friendly to business.

The Economist

A movie has to glue you to your seat even when it's pretending not to.

The New York Times - Books

"It's pretending you have more than you have," she says.

Forbes

It's pretending to be a sophisticated analysis, but really it's cheap psychology," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was pretended", ensure that the context clearly indicates the intention to deceive or create a false impression. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "it was pretended" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "it was claimed" or "it was suggested" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound informal or judgmental.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "it was pretended" is to act as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something feigned a particular state. Ludwig highlights its usage in contexts where a deceptive action is being described.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was pretended" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something was presented falsely or deceptively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and presence in varied contexts, mainly news, media and wiki. While grammatically sound, its relatively low frequency suggests that alternative phrases like "it was claimed" or "it was alleged" might be more common or appropriate in certain situations. Remember that context is key when choosing the most effective way to express the idea of feigning or deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was feigned

This alternative directly indicates a deliberate act of deception or imitation.

it was made to appear

This emphasizes the effort to create a particular impression or perception.

it was claimed

This alternative offers a more neutral tone, simply stating that something was asserted without explicitly implying deception.

it was masqueraded as

This suggests a disguise or concealment of the true nature of something.

it was alleged

This implies that there's a lack of proof and a degree of uncertainty surrounding the statement or action.

it was purported

This suggests that something was presented as true, often with the implication that the claim is questionable or unverified.

it was presented as

This alternative is more descriptive, focusing on the way something was shown or introduced.

it was simulated

This emphasizes the creation of an artificial or imitation version of something.

it was postured

Focuses on the adoption of a certain attitude or stance for effect, often implying insincerity.

it was assumed

This indicates that something was taken for granted or supposed without proof.

FAQs

What does "it was pretended" mean?

The phrase "it was pretended" means that something was presented as being true, real, or the case, when in fact it was not. It implies a degree of deception or fabrication.

What are some alternatives to "it was pretended"?

Alternatives include "it was claimed", "it was alleged", "it was feigned", or "it was postured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "it was pretended" in a sentence?

Example: "For a while, "it was pretended" that Claudius was still alive, with all of those involved in the plot undertaking their normal duties."

Is "it was pretended" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was pretended" leans towards being less formal. More formal options include "it was asserted" or "it was purported".