a real legacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real legacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has a significant and lasting impact or influence, often in a positive context. Example: "The artist left a real legacy through her groundbreaking work that continues to inspire future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

That would be a real legacy.

The New Yorker

A real legacy of the coalition government's green commitment".

The Guardian

"That's a real legacy issue," Mr. Posen said.

The New York Times

That would be a real legacy for the Global Goals.

The Guardian

This is not how disability works, nor a real legacy either.

The Guardian

"The programme appears to have been set up to leave a real legacy," said the judges.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Nor has it left any real legacy.

The Economist

"We all felt there should be something, a real tangible legacy to the city..

Los Angeles Times

Storm as seen through the eyes of Marvel and Hollywood has been distilled into a black character possessing of abilities but lacking the context that would have heightened her cultural relevance and representation for people who see her not as a fantastical mutant but an ancestral and very real legacy.

Vice

Storm, as seen through the eyes of Marvel and Hollywood, has been distilled into a black character possessing of abilities but lacking the context that would have heightened her cultural relevance and representation for people who see her not as a fantastical mutant but an ancestral and very real legacy.

Vice

In a sense, Mrs. Astor's real legacy -- as important as her extensive contributions to the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and dozens of enterprises large and small -- may be the model she provides to other philanthropists, present and future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a sense of lasting impact, use "a real legacy" to emphasize the enduring and meaningful consequences of an action or creation.

Common error

Avoid using "a real legacy" when the impact is minor or temporary. Reserve it for situations where the effects are genuinely profound and long-lasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real legacy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies something of lasting importance or impact, as shown in Ludwig's examples from various news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real legacy" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something of lasting and significant impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is prevalent in news and media, signifying an enduring and genuine effect. While alternatives like "a lasting heritage" or "a significant contribution" exist, "a real legacy" specifically highlights the authentic and tangible nature of the impact left behind. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its weight, reserving it for truly profound and long-lasting consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lasting heritage

Emphasizes the enduring quality of what is left behind.

a significant contribution

Highlights the importance and impact of an action or creation.

an enduring impact

Focuses on the long-term effect something has.

a notable imprint

Stresses the clear and recognizable effect left behind.

a permanent mark

Indicates an unerasable and lasting influence.

a valuable inheritance

Highlights the positive and beneficial aspects of what is passed on.

an indelible impression

Emphasizes the unforgettable nature of the impact.

a long-term influence

Focuses specifically on the extended duration of the effect.

a substantial bequest

Highlights a gift or contribution of significant value.

a historic footprint

Suggests a lasting mark on history.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real legacy" to describe the lasting impact someone or something has had. For example, "The scientist left "a real legacy" through her groundbreaking research."

What are some alternatives to "a real legacy"?

Alternatives include "a lasting heritage", "a significant contribution", or "an enduring impact", depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to leave "a real legacy"?

While often used in a positive sense, "a real legacy" can also refer to negative long-term consequences, such as ""a real legacy" of environmental damage."

What's the difference between "a real legacy" and "a lasting legacy"?

While similar, "a real legacy" emphasizes the genuineness and tangible nature of the impact, whereas "a lasting legacy" simply highlights its long-term duration. They are largely interchangeable but nuance slightly.