pose
pose — verb
1. to be the source of something unwanted, especially a difficulty, danger, or ques
to be the source of something unwanted, especially a difficulty, danger, or question that must be dealt with
The abandoned factory poses a serious safety risk to children in the neighbourhood.
pose a risk to [someone]
Rising global temperatures pose a direct threat to coastal communities around the world.
pose a threat to [something]
Prolonged Internet outages pose major problems for small businesses that rely on online sales.
Airport security staff must check whether an item poses any danger before allowing it on the plane.
The sudden departure of the CEO posed a difficult question for the board of directors.
文法句型
pose + noun phrase
用法筆記
Object is typically something negative: threat, risk, problem, danger, challenge, or difficulty. This sense cannot be used with positive outcomes — for example, you would not say 'pose an opportunity'.
常見錯誤
2. to put forward a question, query, or topic for discussion or consideration, typi
to put forward a question, query, or topic for discussion or consideration, typically in a formal or official setting
During the press conference, a journalist posed a sharp question about the new tax policy.
pose a question about [topic]
The professor paused to let the students pose any questions they had about the lecture.
At the town hall meeting, several residents posed difficult questions about the planned construction.
The committee chair invited members to pose their concerns before the final vote was taken.
- ask
everyday, neutral; can be used in any register
- raise
similar level of formality; 'raise a question' suggests introducing a topic for discussion
- put forward
phrasal verb; suggests submitting something for consideration
文法句型
pose + noun phrase (a question / a query / a concern)
用法筆記
More formal than 'ask'. Typically used in official meetings, press conferences, academic seminars, and parliamentary sessions. The object is usually a question, query, or concern, not a person.
常見錯誤
3. to hold your body in a fixed arrangement so that a photograph can be taken or an
to hold your body in a fixed arrangement so that a photograph can be taken or an artist can draw, paint, or sculpt you
The bride and groom posed patiently for photographs under the cherry blossom tree.
pose for photographs
Yuna asked the model to pose with her left hand resting lightly on her hip.
For the family portrait, the children posed on the front steps as their parents stood behind.
The sculptor asked the young woman to pose on a wooden stool with her chin lifted.
Amira felt awkward posing before the art class, but her teacher assured her she was doing fine.
文法句型
pose for + noun phrase (photograph / painting / portrait / artist)
用法筆記
Often followed by 'for' to indicate the purpose (photograph, painting) or the person receiving the image (a photographer, a painter). Can also be followed by an adverbial phrase describing how the body is placed.
常見錯誤
4. to behave in an insincere or artificial way, trying to appear more knowledgeable
to behave in an insincere or artificial way, trying to appear more knowledgeable, sophisticated, or important than you really are
At gallery openings Rohan pretends to be an art critic, but everyone knows he is just posing.
just posing — pretending for admiration
Maja talks about philosophy books she has never read, and it is clear she is only posing.
Christopher likes to pose as a wealthy businessman, but his clothes come from a discount store.
Some people on social media pose as travellers by posting photos from other people's holidays.
Minh pretended to understand the opera performance, but his friends could tell he was just posing.
- pretend
broader meaning; can be neutral or negative; does not require an audience
- show off
informal phrasal verb; focuses on trying to impress others rather than deception
- put on airs
idiomatic; suggests behaving in a superior or snobbish way
- be genuine
to act in a sincere, authentic way
文法句型
pose as + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often takes 'as' to specify the role being pretended: 'pose as a doctor / an expert / a journalist'. Carries a negative connotation of insincerity. When no role follows, the phrase 'just posing' or 'only posing' is common.
常見錯誤
pose — noun
1. a fixed arrangement of a person's body held for a photograph, painting, or other
a fixed arrangement of a person's body held for a photograph, painting, or other artistic purpose
The yoga instructor moved from one pose to the next, holding each for several deep breaths.
hold a pose
The photographer asked the couple to strike a natural pose, rather than something too stiff.
strike a pose
Élise held an elegant pose for the portrait painter for almost an hour without complaining.
Athletes often practise their victory poses in front of a mirror before a big competition.
The children could not keep a straight pose for the school photo — they kept giggling.
用法筆記
Common collocations include 'strike a pose' (adopt a pose suddenly or dramatically), 'hold a pose' (stay still in a pose), and 'adopt / assume a pose' (take up a particular position).
常見錯誤
2. behaviour that is intended to make others believe you are more interesting, cult
behaviour that is intended to make others believe you are more interesting, cultured, or important than you truly are
Maeve claims she only reads classic literature, but her friends know it is just a pose.
it is just a pose — pretense, not genuine
His enthusiasm for modern jazz seems like a pose designed to impress his arty colleagues.
The politician's concern for working families is nothing more than a pose aimed at winning votes.
Rebelliousness is just a pose for Renata — at home she follows every rule her parents set.
Adisa's love for classical music was just a pose to fit in with his new friends.
- pretense
more general; can refer to any false appearance, not just for impressing others
- affectation
suggests a specific habit or behaviour adopted artificially
- act
informal; implies behaviour that is not genuine, like a performance
- sincerity
genuine, honest behaviour without pretense
用法筆記
Almost always singular and used with an article or possessive: 'a pose', 'her pose', 'just a pose'. Common in the phrases 'it is all a pose', 'merely a pose', 'nothing but a pose'.