Lacking a basis in reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Lacking a basis in reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement, belief, or idea that is not grounded in factual evidence or truth. Example: "The conspiracy theory presented in the article is lacking a basis in reality, as it contradicts established scientific facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr Costa's report is full of fine-sounding idealism, but the ideals and the good intentions suffer from the unfortunate defect of generally lacking a basis in reality.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her lawyer, Greg Murphy, had called the Governor's appeal "frivolous" and lacking a basis in law.

The New York Times

Jinsai denied that Buddhist principles received any corroboration in any level of existence whatsoever, dismissing them as heterodoxies utterly lacking any basis in reality.

SEP

But the "two economies" approach also has a basis in reality.

The New York Times

That's an arbitrary distinction that doesn't have a basis in reality.

Harvard University

Some scenes had a basis in reality, and many were fabricated or embroidered, but in all of them Mme.

The New Yorker

The adventures the four of them get up to are fictional, but many have a basis in reality.

The Guardian

However, this symbolic association may have a basis in reality.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Does possession have a basis in reality?

Los Angeles Times

The problem is that Kirk's letter doesn't appear to have a basis in reality.

Huffington Post

Previous national-level studies suggest the adage has a basis in reality [11], [12], [13], [14].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking a basis in reality", ensure you can articulate why the subject lacks this basis. Provide specific examples or counter-evidence to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking a basis in reality" when expressing personal opinions or preferences, as it implies an objective falsehood where subjective viewpoints are involved. Instead, reserve this phrase for situations where factual claims can be demonstrably disproven.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking a basis in reality" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or noun phrase, indicating that the subject is not supported by facts or evidence. As shown in Ludwig, it commonly qualifies claims, arguments, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking a basis in reality" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is unsupported by facts or evidence. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science domains, where objectivity and accuracy are critical. Alternatives such as "without foundation in fact" or "not grounded in reality" can be used to add nuance. Remember to use this phrase judiciously and be prepared to substantiate your claim with evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Without foundation in fact

Emphasizes the absence of factual support or justification.

Devoid of factual support

Highlights the complete absence of any evidence to back up a claim or idea.

Not grounded in reality

Focuses on the disconnection from the real world or practical considerations.

Lacking empirical evidence

Specifically points out the absence of scientific or experimental proof.

Unsubstantiated claim

Highlights the lack of evidence for a claim

Purely speculative

Suggests the idea is based on conjecture and not on concrete information.

Divorced from reality

Implies a significant detachment from real-world conditions or facts.

Without factual merit

Indicates that a statement or idea has no value or worth in terms of factual accuracy.

Untethered to reality

Conveys the idea that something is not anchored or connected to the real world.

Imaginary

Suggests that something exists only in the mind and is not real.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking a basis in reality" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking a basis in reality" to describe claims, theories, or beliefs that are not supported by evidence or facts. For example, "The conspiracy theory is "lacking a basis in reality" because it contradicts established scientific findings."

What are some alternatives to "lacking a basis in reality"?

Alternatives include "without foundation in fact", "not grounded in reality", or "devoid of factual support". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lacking a basis in reality" in formal writing?

Yes, "lacking a basis in reality" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when critiquing arguments or analyzing information. It clearly and directly communicates the absence of factual support.

What is the difference between "lacking a basis in reality" and "unrealistic"?

"Lacking a basis in reality" suggests that something is factually incorrect or unsupported by evidence. "Unrealistic", on the other hand, implies that something is impractical or unlikely to happen, even if it's not necessarily false. For example, a business plan might be considered "unrealistic" even if the underlying data isn't "lacking a basis in reality".