"at" vs "pretense of"

Question

"at" vs "pretense of"

Both "pretense of" and "pretense at" are correct and commonly used in English. They are interchangeable and can be used depending on personal preference or the context of the sentence.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a false appearance or action intended to deceive. It is often followed by a noun or noun phrase.

Examples:

She maintained a pretense at being interested during the meeting.
He put on a pretense at being happy, but we could tell he was sad.
The company's pretense at concern for the environment was exposed as a marketing strategy.
Don't keep up the pretense at being someone you're not.
The pretense at friendship was shattered when the truth came out.

Alternatives:

pretense of

This phrase is used to indicate a false appearance or action intended to deceive. It is often followed by a noun or noun phrase.

Examples:

She maintained a pretense of interest during the meeting.
He put on a pretense of being happy, but we could tell he was sad.
The company's pretense of concern for the environment was exposed as a marketing strategy.
Don't keep up the pretense of being someone you're not.
The pretense of friendship was shattered when the truth came out.

Alternatives:

pretense at

Answer 1

at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

pretense of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"at" vs "pretense of"

at

pretense of

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