pretend to + verb
Acting as if something is true
This is the standard pattern before another verb.
The child pretended to fly.
Pretend to vs. pretend like
Pretend to is the standard structure before verbs. Pretend like appears in informal speech in some regions but is often avoided in careful writing.
Quick answer
Use pretend to in standard English
Pretend to is followed by a verb or state. Pretend like is informal and usually replaced by pretend that or act like.
She pretended to sleep.
He pretended to be surprised.
They pretended that nothing was wrong.
He pretended to be surprised.
They pretended that nothing was wrong.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
pretend to be + noun/adjective
Taking on a false role or state
Use to be before identities or descriptions.
She pretended to be a doctor.
pretend that + clause
Using a full clause
That introduces the imagined situation.
He pretended that he knew the answer.
act like + clause/behaviour
Informal alternative
Act like is more natural than pretend like in standard English.
They acted like nothing had happened.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
pretend to
She pretended to understand.
standard structure before verbs
pretend like
He pretended like he was busy.
informal and often considered nonstandard in careful English
pretend that
They pretended that the problem did not exist.
standard clause pattern
act like
She acted like a celebrity.
behave in a similar way
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using pretend like in formal writing
Pretend to or pretend that is usually preferred.
✕ She pretended like she was asleep. ✓ She pretended that she was asleep.Missing to before a verb
Pretend normally takes to before another verb.
✕ He pretended know the answer. ✓ He pretended to know the answer.Confusing pretend and intend
Pretend means act falsely; intend means plan.
✕ I pretend to call you tomorrow. ✓ I intend to call you tomorrow.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The boy pretended ___ a pirate.
2. They pretended ___ everything was normal.
3. In careful writing, avoid using pretend ___.
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Frequently asked questions
Is pretend like always wrong?
It appears in informal speech, but many style guides prefer pretend that or pretend to.
Can pretend be followed by a noun?
Yes, usually with to be, as in pretend to be a teacher.
What is the difference between pretend and act like?
Pretend usually involves conscious imitation, while act like can simply describe behaviour.
Related preposition guides
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