to feign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to feign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of pretending or faking something, such as an emotion or condition. Example: "She decided to feign illness to avoid attending the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I prepare to feign disappointment.

The Guardian

Explain, and I'll try to feign interest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And she said she tried to feign ignorance or indifference.

The New York Times - Sports

As I said, there's no reason to feign surprise.

The New York Times

So when we taped, the kids had to feign ignorance.

The New York Times - Arts

It's copper, brass, and pewter, and it was made to feign austerity.

The New Yorker

Mr Obama has learned to show a bit more warmth, or at least to feign it.

The Economist

Clipping foreskins certainly reduces the ability of outsiders to feign membership or kinship.

The Economist

"Spitzer had to feign being a nice guy, regular guy, unassuming, right?

The New York Times

It is clinical when, for decency's sake, it ought to feign emotion.

The Guardian - Books

Secret guides were posted on Wikileaks to show how to feign stiffness and ill-health.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to feign", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being pretended or faked. For example, "to feign illness" or "to feign surprise".

Common error

Avoid using "to feign" when a simpler word like "to pretend" suffices. "To feign" often implies a deliberate and sometimes deceptive act of imitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to feign" typically functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms it describes the act of pretending or faking something. Examples show it used to describe pretending emotions or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to feign" is a versatile and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media, as highlighted by Ludwig. It serves to describe the act of pretending or faking something, often with an implication of deception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While simpler alternatives like "to pretend" exist, "to feign" adds a layer of deliberate imitation. When employing this phrase, clarity is key to specifying the object of pretense, such as "to feign ignorance" or "to feign illness". Avoiding its use when a more straightforward term suffices ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to pretend

A more general term for acting in a way that is not genuine.

to simulate

Emphasizes creating a likeness or imitation of something.

to fake

A more informal term suggesting a less sophisticated deception.

to dissemble

Implies concealing one's true feelings or motives.

to act as if

Highlights the performance aspect of pretending.

to put on

Suggests adopting a false persona or behavior.

to give the impression of

Focuses on creating a specific outward appearance.

to make believe

Often used in the context of children's play, but applicable to adult scenarios as well.

to sham

Indicates a deceptive pretense.

to counterfeit

Specifically refers to creating a false copy or imitation, often of something valuable.

FAQs

How do I use "to feign" in a sentence?

Use "to feign" to describe the act of pretending or faking something, especially an emotion or condition. For example, "She had to "to feign enthusiasm" for the gift."

What can I say instead of "to feign"?

You can use alternatives like "to pretend", "to simulate", or "to fake" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to feign" or "to faint"?

"To feign" means to pretend, while "to faint" means to lose consciousness. They have completely different meanings and should not be confused.

What's the difference between "to feign" and "to simulate"?

"To feign" suggests a deceptive act of pretending, often involving emotions or conditions. "To simulate" implies creating a likeness or imitation, which may or may not be deceptive. For instance, a computer can "to simulate reality", but a person might "to feign sympathy".