"on the pretext of" vs "under the pretext of"

Question

"on the pretext of" vs "under the pretext of"

Both "on the pretext of" and "under the pretext of" are correct phrases in English. They are interchangeable and can be used to indicate a false reason or excuse for doing something. The choice between the two is a matter of personal preference or style.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

The phrase 'on the pretext of' is used to introduce the false reason or excuse for an action or behavior.

Examples:

He left the party early on the pretext of having an early meeting the next day.
She borrowed money from her friend on the pretext of needing it for an emergency.
They canceled the event on the pretext of bad weather.
The company fired him on the pretext of poor performance.
She avoided the meeting on the pretext of feeling unwell.

Alternatives:

under the pretext of
using the excuse of
under the guise of
on the pretense of
under the pretense of

The phrase 'under the pretext of' is used to introduce the false reason or excuse for an action or behavior.

Examples:

He left the party early under the pretext of having an early meeting the next day.
She borrowed money from her friend under the pretext of needing it for an emergency.
They canceled the event under the pretext of bad weather.
The company fired him under the pretext of poor performance.
She avoided the meeting under the pretext of feeling unwell.

Alternatives:

on the pretext of
using the excuse of
under the guise of
on the pretense of
under the pretense of

Answer 1

on the pretext of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

under the pretext of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"on the pretext of" vs "under the pretext of"

on the pretext of

under the pretext of

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