under false pretenses

USAGE SUMMARY

"under false pretenses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone is claiming or attempting something under the guise of something else. For example: "He was trying to get her to sign his contract under false pretenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't want favors under false pretenses.

The New York Times - Magazine

(It had been rented to them under false pretenses).

The New Yorker

Warrants Signed by Hall and Connolly Under False Pretenses".

The New York Times

"The refugees were lured to collection points under false pretenses".

The New York Times

She said she was brought onto "Vikings" under false pretenses.

The New York Times - Arts

"You are here under false pretenses," he said.

The New York Times

"You're wearing a lab coat under false pretenses".

The New Yorker

"They get you up under false pretenses," Mr. Lahr said.

The New York Times

Martin had reserved the place under false pretenses.

The New Yorker

His employees are taking his money under false pretenses.

The New York Times - Sports

In each case, the Turks have acted under false pretenses.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under false pretenses", ensure the context clearly indicates an intention to deceive or mislead. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what the false pretense is.

Common error

Avoid using "under false pretenses" when the situation involves simple mistakes or misunderstandings without an intent to deceive. The phrase implies a deliberate act of misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under false pretenses" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that an action is carried out deceptively. Ludwig confirms that this usage is common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under false pretenses" is a versatile phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier to highlight deceptive actions. It is grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse contexts, especially news, academic, and business settings, as validated by Ludwig. The phrase implies intentional misrepresentation, distinguishing it from unintentional errors. Using alternative phrases like "through deception" or "on fraudulent grounds" can offer nuanced expression. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct and frequent usage, emphasizing its role in clearly conveying deceptive intent. It's best practice to use the phrase when clear evidence of deception exists to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on spurious pretenses

Replaces "false" with "spurious", indicating illegitimacy or lack of genuineness in the claimed reason.

on fraudulent grounds

This phrase uses more formal and legalistic language, highlighting the fraudulent nature of the actions.

under a deceptive guise

Uses the word 'guise' to emphasize the misleading appearance.

based on misrepresentation

Focuses specifically on the act of misrepresenting facts or information.

through deception

This alternative focuses on the act of deceiving, omitting the specific concept of 'pretenses'.

with deceptive intentions

This highlights the intent to deceive, shifting the focus from the act to the mindset.

by dishonest methods

This alternative broadly covers any methods that are not honest.

by means of trickery

This alternative uses more evocative language to convey the deceptive methods employed.

through artifice

Uses a more sophisticated term for skillful deception, suggesting cunning and craftiness.

using a false front

Employs a metaphor to illustrate the deceptive facade.

FAQs

How can I use "under false pretenses" in a sentence?

You can use "under false pretenses" to describe situations where someone is acting deceptively, such as "He obtained the loan "on fraudulent grounds"" or "She gained access to the building "using a false identity"".

What are some alternatives to saying "under false pretenses"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through deception", "by means of trickery", or "with deceptive intentions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "under false pretenses" and "under false assumptions"?

"Under false pretenses" implies a deliberate act of deception, while "under false assumptions" suggests acting on incorrect beliefs without necessarily intending to deceive. The key difference is the intent.

Is it appropriate to use "under false pretenses" in formal writing?

Yes, "under false pretenses" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly and precisely conveys the idea of deceptive behavior. However, always ensure that its use is justified by the context and that sufficient evidence of deception exists.