pretend to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretend to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing acting, role-playing, or simulating a particular identity or behavior. Example: "In the play, she had to pretend to be a queen, which required a lot of practice and confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The murderer doesn't pretend to be.

The New Yorker

Should we pretend to be surprised?

The New Yorker

We could even pretend to be outlaws.

The New York Times

"Super" doesn't pretend to be realistic.

The New York Times

Nor does it pretend to be.

The New York Times

"I don't pretend to be John Hume.

The Guardian

It didn't pretend to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They pretend to be listening.

The New York Times

Teenagers pretend to be older.

The Guardian - Books

Adults pretend to be younger.

The Guardian - Books

They pretend to be relatives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretend to be" in creative writing, consider the character's motivation behind the act. Is it for deception, protection, or simply play?

Common error

Avoid implying that someone actually possesses the qualities they "pretend to be". Ensure clarity that the characteristic is feigned, not real.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretend to be" functions primarily as a verb phrase introducing an infinitive, indicating an intentional act of feigning or simulating a particular state, quality, or identity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

34%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pretend to be" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, serving to describe the act of feigning or simulating a particular characteristic, role, or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to wikis. While its formality is generally neutral, the specific nuance conveyed—deception, role-playing, or simply 'making believe'—depends heavily on context. Remember to consider the motivations behind the act of pretending and avoid implying genuine possession of the feigned qualities. Understanding these nuances ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feign to be

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of giving a false appearance.

act as if one is

Describes behaving in a manner that suggests a particular state, though not genuinely felt.

profess to be

Implies openly declaring oneself to be something, possibly insincerely.

simulate being

Focuses on imitating or replicating the condition of something.

masquerade as

Suggests concealing one's true identity by adopting a false one.

pose as

Similar to masquerade, but can also refer to briefly adopting a role.

affect being

Indicates an artificial display of a certain quality or characteristic.

make believe to be

A more childlike or whimsical expression of pretending.

imitate being

Emphasizes the act of copying or mirroring the characteristics of something.

play the part of

Highlights the performance aspect of pretending, akin to acting.

FAQs

How can I use "pretend to be" in a sentence?

You can use "pretend to be" to describe someone feigning a characteristic or role. For example, "They "pretend to be happy" even when they're not."

What are some alternatives to "pretend to be"?

Alternatives include "feign to be", "act as if", or "masquerade as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pretend to be"?

Yes, "pretend to be" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It follows the standard structure of a verb followed by an infinitive.

What's the difference between "pretend to be" and "seem to be"?

"Pretend to be" implies a deliberate act of deception or role-playing, while "seem to be" suggests an appearance or impression that may or may not be accurate.