10/24/2025
ON THE PRETEXT OF
* Means: Giving a false reason to hide the real reason.
Tone:
Slightly formal and often negative (because it suggests dishonesty or an excuse).
Common in writing, stories, and formal speech more than casual talk.
Examples:
• He called me on the pretext of asking for help.
• He borrowed money on the pretext of paying school fees.
• She skipped class on the pretext of being sick.
• He took leave on the pretext of a family emergency.
• The thief got inside on the pretext of being a repairman.
• She spoke to him on the pretext of returning his book.
• They stayed longer on the pretext of helping.
• He left the party early on the pretext of feeling tired.
• The spy traveled abroad on the pretext of tourism.
• He approached her on the pretext of asking for directions.
• She often goes shopping on the pretext of buying groceries.
• He avoided the meeting on the pretext of having another appointment.
Tips to Remember
* Think: "fake reason."
* It usually hides the real motive.
* Often followed by a noun or -ing verb
* More common in formal English than casual talk.
Can you make a sentence with on the pretext of?
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