What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pretension
Example
His pretension of being an expert in the field was quickly exposed when he couldn't answer basic questions. [pretension: noun]
Example
She had a pretentious air about her, always trying to impress others with her possessions and accomplishments. [pretentious: adjective]
claim
Example
He made a claim that he saw the suspect at the scene of the crime. [claim: noun]
Example
She claimed that the book was hers, even though it had someone else's name on it. [claimed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Claim is a more common word than pretension and is used in a wide range of contexts, including legal, financial, and personal situations. Pretension is less common and is typically used in informal or social contexts to describe someone's behavior or attitude.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretension and claim?
Claim is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while pretension is typically associated with a more informal or casual tone and is less commonly used in formal settings.
