pretense of vs pretense to

Both 'pretense of' and 'pretense to' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Pretense of' is used when referring to the appearance or claim of something, while 'pretense to' is used when indicating a false claim or right to something.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 496 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"pretense of"

This phrase is used to indicate the appearance or claim of something, often in a deceptive or false manner.

Examples:

She maintained the pretense of being happy, even though she was struggling inside.
His pretense of innocence fooled many people.
The company's pretense of concern for the environment was exposed as a marketing strategy.
Their pretense of friendship was shattered when the truth came out.
He put on a pretense of confidence, but deep down he was nervous.

Show examples from the web [+]

He excused himself from the lunch on a pretense of urgent business. 6. insincere or false profession: His pious words were mere pretense. 7. the putting forth of ...
false show : simulation <saw through his pretense of indifference>. See pretense defined for English-language learners. See pretense defined for kids ...
a. A false appearance or action intended to deceive: "He ran the back of his hand up her cheek, with the pretense of wiping away sweat" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Under the pretense of being a college student, you might sneak into a library restricted to enrolled students. That's dishonest and deceitful. But pretense isn't ...

Alternatives:

appearance of
claim of
show of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"pretense to"

This phrase is used to indicate a false claim or right to something, often in a deceitful or dishonest way.

Examples:

He had no pretense to the throne, but he tried to seize power anyway.
The impostor had no pretense to the family fortune.
She made a pretense to the property, even though it rightfully belonged to someone else.
The criminal had no pretense to innocence, as the evidence against him was overwhelming.
The company's pretense to expertise was quickly debunked by industry experts.

Show examples from the web [+]

He excused himself from the lunch on a pretense of urgent business. 6. insincere or false profession: His pious words were mere pretense. 7. the putting forth of ...
7. pretension (usu. fol. by to): no pretense to wit. 8. pretentiousness. [1375–1425; late Middle English < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin *praetēnsa, n. use of ...
Bullshit copyright complaint is the perfect pretense to censor CT library art. By Cory Doctorow at 10:18 am Thu, Mar 5, 2015 ...
2[uncountable, countable, usually singular] (formal or literary) a claim that you have a particular quality or skill pretense (to something) a woman with some ...

Alternatives:

claim to
right to
assertion of

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pretense of vs pretense to

"pretense of"

"pretense to"

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