pretend that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretend that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to imagine or act as if something is true or real, often in hypothetical or playful contexts. Example: "Let's pretend that we are on a deserted island and have to find a way to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can't just pretend that hasn't happened".

The New Yorker

He cannot pretend that something hasn't happened.

The Economist

I can't pretend that anybody really has.

The New York Times

We don't pretend that for a second".

TechCrunch

Let's pretend that substance matters.

Huffington Post

Don't pretend that looks don't matter.

WikiHow

Let's pretend that.

The New Yorker

To pretend that they are Christian.

The New York Times - Magazine

We pretend that they're listening.

The New York Times

"They'll pretend that they're full".

The New York Times

Let's pretend that we're an F.B.I. profiler.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretend that" in writing, ensure the context is clear and the audience understands the hypothetical or imaginative nature of the statement. For example, "Let's pretend that we are detectives solving a mystery" clearly sets up a scenario.

Common error

While "pretend that" is acceptable in many situations, in formal or professional writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "simulate that" or "assume that" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretend that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing a hypothetical or imagined situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to present a scenario that is not necessarily true, but is being considered or acted upon as if it were. For example, "Let's pretend that we're on vacation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretend that" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to introduce hypothetical scenarios, imaginative play, or strategic considerations. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and informal settings. While generally informal to neutral in register, it is essential to consider more precise alternatives like "assume that" or "simulate that" in formal or professional writing. The abundance of examples demonstrates its commonness and versatility, making it a useful tool in both spoken and written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as if

This alternative directly replaces "pretend" with "act", focusing on the action of behaving in a particular way.

make believe that

Replaces "pretend" with a more descriptive and playful term, emphasizing the imaginative aspect.

simulate that

This term is more formal than "pretend", and suggests a deliberate act of imitation.

feign that

Similar to "simulate", but often implies deception.

imagine that

Shifts the focus to the mental act of creating a scenario, rather than the outward performance.

suppose that

Indicates a hypothetical scenario or assumption.

assume that

Similar to "suppose", but implies a stronger belief or expectation.

pose as if

Suggests a deliberate attempt to create a false impression.

playact that

This is a more theatrical term, suggesting a performance.

profess that

Implies a claim that may not be entirely true or sincere.

FAQs

How can I use "pretend that" in a sentence?

The phrase "pretend that" introduces a hypothetical or imagined scenario. For instance, you might say, "Let's pretend that we are astronauts exploring a new planet" or "He tried to pretend that he wasn't nervous before the presentation".

What can I say instead of "pretend that"?

You can use alternatives like "act as if", "imagine that", or "make believe that" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "pretend that"?

Yes, the phrase "pretend that" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ludwig AI confirms that it's perfectly acceptable in both spoken and written language.

What's the difference between "pretend that" and "assume that"?

"Pretend that" typically implies creating a false or imaginative scenario, while "assume that" suggests accepting something as true without proof, often as a basis for reasoning.