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false pretenses

B2
UK/ˌfɔːls prɪˈten.sɪz/US/ˌfɒls prɪˈten.sɪz/

formal / legal

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Definition

Meaning

A deceptive or fraudulent act of presenting oneself or one's intentions in a misleading way to gain something.

In legal contexts, specifically refers to obtaining property or money by means of deception, which is a criminal offense.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Often used in a legal or formal register. The singular form 'false pretense' is possible but less common. Implies an intentional act of deception rather than a simple misunderstanding.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

British English predominantly uses the spelling 'false pretences'. American English uses 'false pretenses'.

Connotations

The legal connotations are stronger in both varieties.

Frequency

Slightly more common in American English, especially in media reporting on fraud cases.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
obtain under false pretensescharge of false pretensesacquire by false pretenses
medium
arrested for false pretensesaccused of false pretensesused false pretenses to get
weak
live under false pretensesmarriage under false pretensesact on false pretenses

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[verb] + under false pretensesobtain + [object] + by false pretensesbe charged with + false pretenses

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

fraudduplicityscam

Neutral

deceptionmisrepresentation

Weak

dishonestytrickery

Vocabulary

Antonyms

honestytransparencycandorforthrightness

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “under false colors”
  • “a wolf in sheep's clothing”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

'The supplier was found to have secured the contract under false pretenses.'

Academic

'The study critiques social interactions built upon false pretenses.'

Everyday

'She felt their friendship was based on false pretenses because he lied about his job.'

Technical

'The defendant was convicted of larceny by false pretenses under statute 18-5-102.'

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The company directors were found to have obtained funds under false pretences.
  • He gained access to the building under false pretences.

American English

  • The contractor obtained the deposit under false pretenses.
  • She was charged with securing a loan under false pretenses.

adjective

British English

  • The false-pretences case was heard at the Crown Court.
  • It was a classic false-pretences operation.

American English

  • The false-pretenses statute was applied in the ruling.
  • He faced a false-pretenses charge.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B1
  • He got the money under false pretenses.
  • She married him under false pretenses.
  • Don't buy anything from them; it's all false pretenses.
B2
  • The salesman was arrested for obtaining property under false pretenses.
  • Their entire relationship was built on a foundation of false pretenses.
  • The politician was accused of entering office under false pretenses.
C1
  • The elaborate scheme involved obtaining confidential data under false pretenses to commit industrial espionage.
  • The court determined that the defendant's actions constituted larceny by false pretenses, a felony in that jurisdiction.
  • His magnanimous public persona was merely a false pretense designed to conceal his avarice.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a PRETEND friend who is FALSE. False + Pretenses = Pretending falsely to get something.

Conceptual Metaphor

SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE (where one wears a false mask/role).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not translate 'pretenses' as 'предпосылки' (prerequisites). It is closer to 'притворство', 'ложные предлоги', 'обман'.
  • The legal term 'мошенничество' (fraud) captures the criminal aspect.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'false pretenses' as a synonym for a simple lie (it requires an intent to gain).
  • Using the singular 'false pretense' in the common legal phrase.
  • Confusing 'pretense' with 'pretext' (a pretext is a false reason given, often part of false pretenses).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The con artist was convicted for .
Multiple Choice

In which context is the phrase 'false pretenses' most accurately used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

'False pretenses' is a specific type of fraud involving obtaining property through deception. 'Fraud' is the broader legal category.

It can, but it sounds quite formal. In casual speech, people might say 'he lied to get it' or 'she tricked me'.

Yes, when referring to a single deceptive act or claim (e.g., 'under the false pretense of illness'). However, the plural is the standard form for the fixed legal and common phrase.

British English uses 'false pretences' (with a 'c'), while American English uses 'false pretenses' (with an 's').