pretend well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretend well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to act convincingly or to feign emotions or behaviors effectively. Example: "In the audition, she had to pretend well to convince the judges of her character's sincerity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If we're going to pretend, at least let us pretend well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Kanzi, the famous bonobo, liked to pretend as well.

BBC

But I also think I'd be a better mom if I stopped pretending, and making friends on Facebook feel like they have to pretend as well".

Huffington Post

But it is not appropriate to pretend that well-established scientific concepts are controversial.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

I was pretending as well, in that I did not have the slightest idea what an audience would want to watch.

Huffington Post

The matter had gone well past the attempts to pretend all was well.

The New Yorker

"Well, pretend it's your birthday then".

The Guardian - Music

Let's be aware of the view and not pretend all is well," she said.

Independent

Let's be aware of the view and not pretend all is well".

The Guardian

Those who rely on the center try to pretend all is well.

The New York Times

If you're ugly, feel free to hide your face, but if you're attractive, you better damn well pretend you hate yourself.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretend well", ensure the context makes it clear what is being feigned and why. Clarity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "pretend well" might sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "effectively simulate" or "convincingly portray" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretend well" functions as a verb phrase where "pretend" is the main verb and "well" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating the quality or manner of pretending. Ludwig confirms that this is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretend well" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the ability to convincingly feign or simulate something. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, it might be perceived as less sophisticated in formal contexts, where alternatives like "act convincingly" or "simulate effectively" might be preferred. The phrase appears primarily in news and media sources. When using "pretend well", ensure the context is clear about what is being feigned to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act convincingly

Focuses on the quality of the acting performance being believable.

feign effectively

Highlights the successful simulation of emotions or behaviors.

simulate convincingly

Emphasizes the believable replication of a situation or feeling.

masquerade convincingly

Implies a deceptive appearance that is difficult to detect.

impersonate accurately

Focuses on the precision and fidelity of the imitation.

put on a good show

Suggests a performance designed to impress or deceive.

play the part convincingly

Highlights the acting aspect of taking on a role or character.

fake it believably

Focuses on the ability to convincingly feign something.

dissemble skillfully

Emphasizes the artful concealment of true feelings or motives.

affect convincingly

Highlights the successful creation of a false impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretend well" to describe someone's ability to convincingly feign emotions or actions. For instance, "She had to "pretend well" to convince the judges of her character's sincerity."

What are some alternatives to "pretend well"?

Some alternatives to "pretend well" include "act convincingly", "feign effectively", or "simulate convincingly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "pretend well" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pretend well" is grammatically correct. It uses the verb "pretend" with the adverb "well" to describe the quality of the act of pretending.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "pretend well"?

"Pretend well" is suitable for various contexts, including casual conversations and creative writing. However, in more formal settings, you might prefer more sophisticated alternatives like "convincingly portray" or "effectively simulate".