0
Russkiy Bear Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

sham + noun

I've come across he shams crazy

Can I say he shams an idiot* or *he shams pain in his back ? Do I have to use a person or a thing after sham?
  

Top answer

First, let me say that this use of 'sham' as a transitive verb is uncommon. When it is used, it often (although not always) refers to an activity. I've come across he shams crazy Don't use it like this with an adjective.

— Clive

  • First, let me say that this use of 'sham' as a transitive verb is uncommon.
  • When it is used, it often (although not always) refers to an activity.
  • I've come across he shams crazy Don't use it like this with an adjective.
  • Say eg He shams craziness.
  • eg He shams being crazy.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
First, let me say that this use of 'sham' as a transitive verb is uncommon.

When it is used, it often (although not always) refers to an activity.

I've come across he shams crazy Don't use it like this with an adjective. Say
eg He sha
0
0
Thanks!
I know pretend is more common. I just stumbled upon this one and curiosity got better of me )
0
0
Russkiy BearI know pretend is more common.
Even "feign" is more common. The verb "sham" does not exist in my dialect, and I can't remember ever seeing it in print.
0

Related Questions