a real hero

USAGE SUMMARY

'a real hero' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you are referring to someone who has done something admirable or brave. For example: "My grandfather was a real hero in World War II, serving as a medic in the frontlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian

The New York Times

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a building, crescendo-ing emo-synth pop track that never quite turns into College & Electric Youth's A Real Hero like you want it to.

The Guardian - Music

"You're a real hero".

The Guardian

A real hero.

The New Yorker

He called Spencer "a real hero".

Independent

He was a real hero.

The New York Times

Ledley King's a real hero of mine".

The Guardian - Sport

He wants to be a real hero.

The New Yorker

Jianzhong Wang is a real hero".

The Guardian

At last they had a real hero.

The Guardian - Sport

If it catches on, Beam will be a real hero.

The New York Times - Tech

"To Ben's family: you raised a real hero".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your language. While "a real hero" is acceptable in certain circumstances, alternatives such as "a true hero" or "a courageous individual" may provide more nuance or specificity to your writing, or simply avoid repetition of the same phrasing.

Common error

Avoid overuse. While appropriate in many contexts, relying too heavily on "a real hero" can diminish its impact. Explore synonyms or more descriptive language to add depth and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real hero" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to identify and describe an individual who has demonstrated exceptional courage, selflessness, or achievement. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a phrase used to commend people who have performed admirable deeds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

The Guardian

11%

The New York Times

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

Wiki

2%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real hero" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery or selflessness. As Ludwig AI points out, it's fitting for recognizing admirable acts. While appropriate in numerous contexts, you should consider using synonyms or descriptive language to avoid overusing this phrase. It is widely used in journalistic contexts such as in publications like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Huffington Post, as well as general publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a true hero

Emphasizes the genuineness and authenticity of the heroic qualities.

a genuine hero

Highlights the sincerity and lack of pretense in the heroic actions.

an authentic hero

Stresses the originality and uncopied nature of the heroic behavior.

a courageous individual

Focuses specifically on the bravery and valor displayed.

a valiant person

Emphasizes the boldness and determination in facing danger.

an admirable figure

Shifts the focus to the praiseworthy and commendable aspects.

a noteworthy champion

Highlights the significant accomplishments and advocacy.

an exceptional human being

Broadens the scope to encompass overall outstanding qualities.

a person of great valor

Directly emphasizes the high degree of courage and strength.

an extraordinary individual

Highlights the unique and remarkable qualities of the person.

FAQs

How can I use "a real hero" in a sentence?

You can use "a real hero" to describe someone who has performed an act of courage or selflessness. For example, "The firefighter who saved the child from the burning building is "a real hero"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a real hero"?

Some alternatives to "a real hero" include "a true hero", "a genuine hero", or "a courageous individual". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a real hero" in formal writing?

Yes, "a real hero" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing acts of bravery or significant positive impact. However, consider the tone and audience and whether a more formal alternative might be more suitable.

What distinguishes "a real hero" from just "a hero"?

The addition of "real" emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of the heroic qualities or actions. While "a hero" alone implies admirable qualities, "a real hero" underscores that these qualities are not superficial or exaggerated.