mere pretense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere pretense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not genuine or is simply an act or facade. Example: "His apology was nothing more than a mere pretense to avoid further conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But that is a mere pretense.

The New Yorker

The imitator's mispronunciations are recognized as mere pretense; this knowledge makes sympathy unnecessary and enables the audience to be childishly cruel with a clean conscience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His relation to the court and to the parties is tainted in its origin; it is a mere pretense and sham.

Cornell University

Ostensibly this was a concert — her first in New York in several years, she noted — but her songs were mere pretense, compared with the night's myriad other functions: runway show, theater performance, assertion of social dominance.

The New York Times - Arts

So enough with the hype and the mere pretense of urgency.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In my scholarly field of political theory, radical critiques of constitutional democracy (whether Marxist, Foucauldian, feminist, Freudian, or post-structuralist) commonly contend that the rule of law is a sham, a pretense, a mere cover for underlying or overarching power interests.

Huffington Post

Surely, neither our politicians nor our society have evolved to such a state of flimsy pretense that the mere mouthing of choice words from a school yard dictionary is sufficient to absolve people from their transgressions.

Huffington Post

By the essay's end, Watkins has shrugged off any pretense of disinterest or mere observational curiosity, instead offering "some ideas" that gather a force akin to the preacher's fire.

The New Yorker

Following episodes relate to Max's tenure as US President after "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"; "War Games", released on March 1, has Sam and Max engage in military activities from the White House's war room under the pretense that they are mere simulations.

Wikipedia

"The time has come to drop the empty pretense that we can serve the region as a mere broker," Mr. DeLay said.

The New York Times

It is a requirement that cannot be deemed to be satisfied by mere notice and hearing if a state has contrived a conviction through the pretense of a trial which in truth is but used as a means of depriving a defendant of liberty through a deliberate deception of court and jury by the presentation of testimony known to be perjured.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere pretense" to clearly convey that something is not genuine or is only an outward show, especially when you want to express skepticism or disapproval.

Common error

While "mere pretense" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "false facade" or "hollow show" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere pretense" functions as a noun phrase often used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes something that is presented as genuine or real, but is actually insincere or superficial, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere pretense" is a noun phrase signifying a lack of genuineness or an insincere display. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers examples from diverse sources such as news media, academic texts, and encyclopedias, indicating its usage across different contexts. While "mere pretense" itself carries a neutral tone, its intent is often to express skepticism or disapproval. The phrase is not overly common but is effective in conveying that something lacks authenticity or substance. Consider alternative expressions like "false facade" or "empty charade" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false facade

Emphasizes the deceptive and artificial nature of the outward appearance.

hollow show

Highlights the emptiness and lack of real value behind the display.

empty charade

Focuses on the theatrical and insincere nature of the act.

sham appearance

Underscores the deceptive and unreal quality of the presentation.

feigned display

Highlights the act of deliberately faking or simulating a particular emotion or quality.

artificial front

Stresses the manufactured and unnatural nature of the outward behavior.

contrived act

Emphasizes the deliberate and planned nature of the deception.

insincere show

Directly points out the lack of genuineness in the performance.

superficial display

Highlights the lack of depth and substance in the outward presentation.

empty formality

Focuses on adhering to rules without genuine intent or meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "mere pretense" in a sentence?

You can use "mere pretense" to describe actions or statements that lack sincerity or genuine intent. For example, "His apology was a "mere pretense" to avoid further conflict".

What are some alternatives to "mere pretense"?

Some alternatives include "false facade", "empty charade", or "sham appearance". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "mere pretense" formal or informal?

"Mere pretense" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical or jargonistic, it effectively conveys a sense of insincerity or superficiality appropriate for various audiences.

What is the difference between "mere pretense" and "outright lie"?

"Mere pretense" suggests something is not genuine or real, but doesn't necessarily mean a direct falsehood is being stated. An "outright lie", on the other hand, is a deliberate and explicit statement of something known to be false.