maintain the pretence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain the pretence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of continuing to present a false appearance or belief, often in social situations or personal interactions. Example: "Despite the growing tension between them, she decided to maintain the pretence of a happy relationship for the sake of their friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They calculate the percentages, and maintain the pretence of pragmatism.

Independent

We both know he isn't called Ben Lopez, but we maintain the pretence.

The Guardian

But accidents will happen, and it was impossible to maintain the pretence at all times.

The Guardian - Film

He covertly filmed sexual acts without the knowledge of the victim and continued to maintain the pretence that his business was legitimate.

Independent

It will be harder to maintain the pretence of good relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states because of exposure of their fear of Tehran.

The Guardian

The bank is merely announcing its financial results for 2010 and can maintain the pretence that the chief executive's bonus has not yet been decided.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But at other times she found maintaining the pretence of masculinity impossible.

Independent

Her persecutors discussed how best to fulfil the aim of driving "SJWs" from gaming while maintaining the pretence that the campaign was about corruption.

The Guardian - Tech

But maintaining the pretence that Sudan is a cohesive, centralised, conservative Muslim and Arab state has never been costlier than now.

The Economist

Maintaining the pretence that we are a superpower, capable (to use a phrase much beloved by successive British prime ministers) "of punching above our weight".

The Guardian - Opinion

Believe me: this book is about the most fun it's possible to have while still maintaining the pretence – perhaps it's not a pretence in your case – that one is an intellectual.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain the pretence", ensure the context clearly establishes what false appearance or belief is being upheld. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

While "maintain the pretence" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "keep up appearances" or "uphold the facade" to add nuance and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain the pretence" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "maintain" is the transitive verb and "the pretence" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically correct and usable. It describes the action of continuing to uphold a false appearance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintain the pretence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of upholding a false appearance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While alternatives like "keep up appearances" exist, "maintain the pretence" specifically emphasizes the active effort to sustain a deception. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. By considering context and audience, you can effectively use "maintain the pretence" to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep up appearances

Focuses on the outward display and public perception more than the deception itself.

uphold the facade

Emphasizes the structural aspect of a false image that is being actively supported.

sustain the illusion

Highlights the creation and ongoing support of something unreal or misleading.

preserve the deception

Directly addresses the act of keeping a falsehood intact and hidden.

continue the charade

Implies a more elaborate and often mocking or cynical continuation of a false front.

perpetuate the myth

Suggests the active spreading and reinforcement of a false or unproven belief.

prolong the act

Focuses on the temporal aspect of continuing a performance or deceptive behavior.

support the fiction

Implies actively contributing to the believability of something known to be untrue.

foster the delusion

Suggests encouraging or nurturing a false belief in oneself or others.

maintain the semblance

Focuses on preserving an outward show or appearance without genuine substance.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain the pretence" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain the pretence" when you want to describe the act of continuing to present a false appearance or belief, for example: "Despite their disagreements, they had to maintain the pretence of unity for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "maintain the pretence"?

Alternatives include "keep up appearances", "uphold the facade", or "sustain the illusion". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever better to use "keep up appearances" instead of "maintain the pretence"?

Yes, "keep up appearances" might be preferable when focusing on outward displays for social reasons, whereas "maintain the pretence" emphasizes the active effort to sustain a falsehood or deception.

What's the difference between "maintain the pretence" and "perpetuate the myth"?

"Maintain the pretence" refers to upholding a specific false appearance, while "perpetuate the myth" implies actively spreading and reinforcing a false or unproven belief over time.