keep on pretending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on pretending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of continuing to act as if something is true, often when it is not. Example: "Even though the truth was revealed, she decided to keep on pretending that everything was fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We will keep on pretending that the driver is still in charge until it becomes apparent that they want to let the car drive itself," he said.

BBC

Anyway, keep on pretending you weren't just fantasizing about a Trudeau-Obama makeout session.

Vice

You don't want to keep on pretending to be someone else.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If they pretend to keep on being sick, put them in a box and tape it up and send it back to the pillow room to get adopted again.

WikiHow

Some nodes will pretend to be stupid and keep on asking "what's that my dear?", -you will see a few ***.**ms values next to them.

WikiHow

Pretend you are really interested in them, and keep on talking about them to them until they get really annoyed.

WikiHow

He said the government had wanted the letters kept secret "so that we can carry on pretending he [the prince] is impartial".

BBC

There was no reason for me to carry on pretending to enjoy something, just to keep up appearances".

The Guardian

Unsurprised, I pretended not to hear him and kept on walking.

The New York Times

I meant to do it outside and bent down to pretend to do my shoelaces up, but she just kept on walking so I had to do it inside!

BBC

They will keep on convening pretend grand juries and handing down ersatz indictments until either someone finally starts paying attention or until... you know -- Obama has them all disappeared or something.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on pretending" to convey a sense of persistent deception or maintaining a false appearance. It is particularly effective when highlighting the contrast between reality and the perpetuated illusion.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on pretending" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "persist in simulating" or "maintain the facade" to enhance the tone and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on pretending" functions as a verb phrase expressing continuous action. It describes the act of persistently behaving as if something is true, despite evidence to the contrary. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on pretending" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing the continuous act of maintaining a false pretense. While Ludwig AI validates its general usability, it's important to consider the context and register. It is effective in News & Media and Wiki, but more sophisticated alternatives might be preferable in formal or academic writing. The phrase serves to emphasize the persistence of deception and the contrast between reality and the perpetuated illusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to feign

Focuses on the continuation of a false appearance or feeling. Instead of 'keep on' emphasizes on 'continue'.

persist in simulating

Highlights the ongoing nature of mimicking or imitating something, adding a formal tone.

maintain the facade

Emphasizes preserving an outward appearance that may be different from reality.

sustain the illusion

Highlights the effort to uphold a false perception or belief.

carry on acting

Focuses on performing a role or behaving in a particular way, often insincerely. Replaces 'pretending' with 'acting'.

go on deceiving

Emphasizes the continuation of misleading or tricking others.

keep up appearances

Focuses on maintaining a socially acceptable image, often concealing underlying issues.

continue the charade

Highlights the sustained nature of a deceptive act or performance.

remain in denial

Emphasizes refusing to acknowledge the truth, continuing to live as if it were not so.

perpetuate the myth

Focuses on prolonging a widely held but false belief or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "keep on pretending" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on pretending" to describe someone who continues to act as if something is true, even when it is not. For example, "Even after the evidence was presented, he chose to "keep on pretending" that nothing had happened".

What are some alternatives to "keep on pretending"?

Alternatives include "continue to feign", "maintain the facade", or "sustain the illusion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "keep on pretending" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keep on pretending" may be perceived as informal. In formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "persist in simulating" or "uphold the charade".

What's the difference between "keep on pretending" and "keep up appearances"?

"Keep on pretending" focuses on maintaining a false belief or action, while "keep up appearances" emphasizes maintaining a socially acceptable image, often concealing underlying problems. The former is about internal deception, while the latter is about external perception.