under the pretence

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the pretence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to imply that someone is making a false appearance in order to carry out a certain action or to get something they want. For example, "She visited the elderly man under the pretence of checking up on his wellbeing, when in reality she had taken all of his money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Schoon was described as "the central player" in the operation, which saw a fleet of fully taxed and insured ambulances created in the Netherlands under the pretence of transporting patients to the UK.

BBC

As guests, we get to go along for the ride under the pretence of helping out.

The Guardian - Travel

You can rewatch stuff under the pretence of creating a "bespoke cultural environment".

The Guardian - Music

In 1998 alone, forestry officials cut down 1.5m cubic metres of timber under the pretence of doing necessary cleaning cuts".

The Guardian

Some participants claimed they had been duped into taking part under the pretence it was a series about community spirit.

The Guardian

The same players would sneak out under the pretence of a trip to the cinema, to pay yet another trip to KFC.

Independent

There was no sneaking off to check the scores on my phone under the pretence I was going to the gents.

Independent

Rather than put it through a quick bankruptcy, India's banks foolishly allowed it to stagger on under the pretence of being a going concern.

The Economist

On the Wednesday, under the pretence of two Mussulmans having been found murdered, which was not the case, the war recommenced.

The New York Times

Under the pretence of giving Gary an early birthday present, I invited the boys over and gave him a box wrapped up with a ribbon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This sinister use of Newspeak tells the upstanding citizenry to stop feeling bad about not helping those in need, under the pretence of educating and informing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the pretence", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being falsely presented and what the true intention or action is. This clarity helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "under the pretence" when simply describing a misunderstanding or a mistake. This phrase implies a deliberate intention to deceive, not just an accidental misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the pretence" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, adding information about the manner in which an action is carried out. It indicates that something is done with a hidden, often deceptive, motive as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the pretence" is a prepositional phrase used to express that an action or statement is made with a hidden and often deceptive motive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, appearing in a variety of contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When writing, use this phrase to add a layer of skepticism to a situation, clearly indicating the false appearance and the true intention. Alternatives like "under the guise" or "under the pretext" can provide similar nuances. Remember to avoid using "under the pretence" in situations where there's merely a misunderstanding, as this phrase specifically implies deliberate deception. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "under the pretence" to enrich your writing and convey skepticism with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the guise

This alternative emphasizes the deceptive appearance or form assumed.

under the pretext

This alternative suggests a fabricated reason or excuse to conceal the real motive.

under the cover

This alternative highlights secrecy and concealment as the primary means of deception.

under the cloak

This alternative implies a more deliberate attempt to hide something, often with sinister implications.

on the pretext

This option, similar to "under the pretext", puts focus on the excuse being given.

under false colors

This phrase suggests a deliberate misrepresentation of identity or affiliation.

with the excuse

This version emphasizes the justification, which is not necessarily true, provided for an action.

with the justification

This variant highlights the provided reasoning, implying potential doubt about its validity.

as a cover

This option is less formal and emphasizes the use of something to hide the real activity.

masquerading as

This alternative suggests a complete disguise, where the true nature is entirely concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "under the pretence" in a sentence?

Use "under the pretence" to indicate that someone is doing something while falsely claiming to be doing something else. For example, "He offered help "under the pretence" of being friendly, but he was actually trying to steal her information."

What phrases are similar to "under the pretence"?

Similar phrases include "under the guise", "under the pretext", and "under false colors". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "under the pretense" and "under the pretence"?

"Pretense" and "pretence" are variants of the same word. "Pretense" is more common in American English, while "pretence" is more common in British English. Both are correct.

When is it appropriate to use "under the pretence"?

It is appropriate to use "under the pretence" when you want to emphasize that an action is being done with a hidden, often deceptive, motive. It adds a layer of suspicion or doubt to the stated reason for the action.