pretence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pretence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of pretending or feigning, especially when you are doing it for a specific purpose. For example: She put on a pretence of innocence to get away with her lie.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Open daily 3pm-2am Sassafras has all of the cosy 1920's charm of a prohibition-era speakeasy, with none of the pretence of Franklin Mortgage or Hop Sing (since the 21st amendment removed the need for such).

The Guardian - Travel

The Obama administration made little pretence in recent years that it believed Cuba was supporting terrorism.

The Guardian

Do you refer to them by their full name, thus blowing any pretence of familiarity with them, or just gently drop in their first name and risk nobody having a clue who you're talking about?

The Guardian

Which, in a way, is odd, because the film cuts at the heart of modern America, of which the media is so much a reflection, stripping away the pretence of well-being layer by layer, all the way through black comedy to poignancy.

The Guardian - Film

Unless we think of it as a prelude to greater changes, all we achieve is shifting patterns of inequality - which we will justify with the pretence that everybody had an equal chance of "getting on".

The Guardian - Opinion

There was no pretence here: if you are rich then give us some money, and we promise to fight your corner.

The Guardian - Opinion

The studied pretence that nothing much is happening is itself testament to the reality that the unthinkable is coming to pass.

The Guardian

The Ramones were often cited by British punk bands such as the Clash, Buzzcocks and Sex Pistols as an inspiration, an ideal of a raw and ferocious rock'n'roll stripped of pretence and bombast.

The Guardian - Music

Naturally, for a slave to be freed requires a plot contrivance of some sort, but Schultz (or rather Waltz) having performed that function comes to dominate the film, which becomes in effect a buddy movie, though without much pretence of equality.

The Guardian - Film

With two weeks now to go, it would be foolish to predict the result with any pretence of certainty.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one's gone this far to try and get one of the best things to ever happen to a music fan in the world ever – a private Bob Dylan concert – under the pretence of wanting to "learn something" for a TV show.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretence" to highlight a deliberate act of deception or an attempt to create a false impression. It's stronger than a simple mistake or misunderstanding.

Common error

While "pretence" and "pretense" are synonyms, "pretense" is the more common spelling in American English. Using "pretence" in an American context might be perceived as unusual or British-influenced.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pretence" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting an act of pretending or a false claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretence" functions as a noun denoting an act of deception or a false claim. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. Its usage leans towards neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts. Key to mastering "pretence" is understanding its role in highlighting deception and choosing it when you want to emphasize the contrast between appearance and reality. Remember, while "pretense" is an accepted alternative, "pretence" can add a touch of sophistication and be the preferred spelling in British English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretense

A direct synonym, differing only in spelling (primarily US usage).

act of dissimulation

Focuses specifically on the act of concealing the truth.

deceptive facade

Emphasizes the misleading and concealing function of the surface appearance.

sham

Highlights the insincerity and hollowness of the facade.

false display

Emphasizes the misleading nature of the outward appearance.

outward show

Focuses on the superficial and visible aspect of the deception.

feigned behavior

Highlights the artificial and simulated nature of the actions.

mere semblance

Implies that the reality is significantly different from the presented appearance.

guise

Highlights how something appears or is represented.

artificial manner

Suggests a lack of genuineness and spontaneity in conduct.

FAQs

How to use "pretence" in a sentence?

You can use "pretence" to describe a false display of something, like "She maintained a "pretence of calm" despite her anxiety".

What can I say instead of "pretence"?

You can use alternatives like "pretense", "sham", or "guise" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pretence" a formal or informal word?

"Pretence" is generally considered a neutral word, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its usage can lend a slightly more sophisticated tone to your writing.

What's the difference between "pretence" and "hypocrisy"?

"Pretence" refers to the act of falsely claiming or displaying something, while "hypocrisy" involves claiming to have moral standards or beliefs that one's own behavior contradicts. Hypocrisy often involves a "pretence of virtue".