What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pretending
Example
He was pretending to be happy, but I could tell he was really upset. [pretending: verb]
Example
The children were pretending to be pirates on the playground. [pretending: gerund or present participle]
acting
Example
She has been acting in Hollywood for over a decade. [acting: verb]
Example
His acting in that scene was so convincing, I forgot it was just a movie. [acting: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acting is more commonly used than pretending in formal contexts such as theater or film. However, pretending is more common in everyday language and social situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretending and acting?
Acting is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while pretending is more casual and informal.
