make believe

USAGE SUMMARY

"make believe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express the idea of pretending, or of something being pretend or imaginary. For example, you might say, "We played pretend games and made believe that we were pirates on a ship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Get dressed to make believe".

The New York Times - Books

Movie violence is make believe.

The New York Times - Magazine

It wasn't make believe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We can make believe.

The New York Times

I make believe on a professional basis.

The New York Times - Books

Make believe the people rule.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The game wasn't make-believe.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is not make-believe.

The New York Times

But they are not always make-believe.

The New York Times

Not make-believe.

Huffington Post

It's only make - believe.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue for characters who are children, use the phrase "make believe" to enhance authenticity, as it is a common expression in children's play.

Common error

Avoid using "make believe" in contexts where factual accuracy is essential. This phrase indicates something is not real, so using it unintentionally can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make believe" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of pretending or imagining. As stated by Ludwig AI, it describes creating a fictional scenario. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrates it used in contexts where someone is actively pretending.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make believe" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of pretending or imagining. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is commonly used, especially in news and media, but also in wikis and scientific writing. While grammatically sound, it's important to use "make believe" appropriately, especially in avoiding misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "pretend" or "imagine", may be more fitting in some contexts. Remember, as usage examples show, "make believe" signals a departure from reality, inviting creativity and imaginative thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imagine a scenario

Focuses on picturing or envisioning a particular situation in one's mind.

pretend play

Focuses specifically on the act of children engaging in imaginative games.

engage in fantasy

Highlights the active participation in a world of imagination.

indulge in imagination

Emphasizes the enjoyment and freedom of imaginative thought.

create a fiction

Emphasizes the act of inventing or constructing a false narrative.

feign reality

Suggests a deliberate attempt to create a false impression of reality.

concoct a scenario

Implies the careful construction of a detailed and often elaborate imaginary situation.

play-act

Focuses on the performative aspect of pretending, often involving costumes and roles.

dream up a story

Highlights the spontaneous and creative invention of a narrative.

fabricate a world

Indicates the creation of an entire imaginary setting or environment.

FAQs

How can I use "make believe" in a sentence?

You can use "make believe" to describe pretending or imagining something. For example, "Let's /s/make+believe that we're astronauts exploring a new planet".

What's a simple way to explain what "make believe" means?

It means to pretend that something is real when it isn't. It's like playing a game where you /s/imagine things and act them out.

Which is correct, "make believe" or "making believe"?

"Make believe" is the more common and accepted form. "Making believe" is less frequent, though it can be used in some contexts, such as "They were /s/making+believe that they were royalty".

What are some other words I can use instead of "make believe"?

Alternatives include "pretend", "imagine", or "feign", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.