Teacher Discussion Forums

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.

Hi Mara

I would NOT consider "Jack pretends that we speak perfect English" to have the same meaning as " Jack wants us / expects us to speak perfect English".

Instead, I might interpret the first sentence as "Jack doesn't tell anyone that we don't speak perfect English because he wants to believe (or he wants us or somebody else to believe) that we do."

Therefore, "claim" would be closer in meaning, in my opinion. BUT "claim" would involve making specific statements whereas "pretend" could be non-verbal.

Amy