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Riglos Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

pretend vs claim?

Hi everybody!

I'd like to know whether the word "pretend" has another meaning apart from "to behave as if something is true when you know that it is not".

For instance, "Jack pretends that we speak perfect English", meaning " Jack wants us / expects us to speak perfect English".

If it couldn't be used in this context, then it would be a false friend for Spanish speakers, that's why I ask.

By the way, if "pretend" doesn't apply in this case, would the word "claim" do?

Thanks a lot!

Mara.

  

Top answer

Hello, To use pretend in that sentence means that Jack fools himself and perhaps others that 'we' speak perfect English. It does not have the meaning of wanting or expecting it. Neither does 'claim'.

— Nona the brit

  • Hello, To use pretend in that sentence means that Jack fools himself and perhaps others that 'we' speak perfect English.
  • It does not have the meaning of wanting or expecting it.
  • Neither does 'claim'.
  • So, English is different to Spanish!
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1 Answers
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Hello,

To use pretend in that sentence means that Jack fools himself and perhaps others that 'we' speak perfect English. It does not have the meaning of wanting or expecting it. Neither does 'claim'.

So, English is different to Spanish!
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