Grammar Puzzles Solved (10): What is correct, dishonest with or dishonest to?
- Meaning: When you are referring to
someone’s actions or behavior in a situation where honesty is expected in
a relationship or interaction. - Usage: Usually used when talking about
how someone behaves toward another person in terms of lying or deceit.
- “She
was dishonest with her friend about the money.” - “He
was dishonest with his colleagues during the meeting.” - “He
was dishonest with his teacher about his homework.”
(Refers to how the student interacted with the teacher by lying about the
assignment.) - “She
was dishonest with her partner when talking about the finances.”
(Emphasizes the communication between the partner and the person
involved.) - “I
can’t trust him anymore because he was dishonest with me about the
project.”
(Refers to how the person misled or lied during the project discussion.) - “They
were dishonest with the customers about the product’s features.”
(Focuses on the deceptive behavior shown while interacting with
customers.)
- Meaning: When you are referring to
someone being deceitful or untruthful in a way that affects them directly. - Usage: Often used when referring to
how someone treats another person, implying unfairness or lying toward
them.
- “He
was dishonest to his parents about his whereabouts.” - “She
was dishonest to her boss when explaining why the report was late.” - “He
was dishonest to her when he said he would help her with the task.”
(Refers to how the person lied to her, showing deceit in their behavior.) - “It’s
wrong to be dishonest to your friends; honesty is the best policy.”
(Refers to being untruthful to friends, possibly affecting their trust.) - “He
was dishonest to the government when he failed to report his
earnings.”
(Focuses on how the person misled the authorities, implying wrongdoing.) - “She
was dishonest to him when she pretended everything was fine.”
(Refers to the act of lying or misleading someone about her true feelings
or situation.)
- “Dishonest
with”
emphasizes the interaction or communication with the other person. - “Dishonest
to”
focuses more on how the deceit directly impacts or is directed toward that
person.
