a real person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is genuine or not fictional, often in contrast to characters or personas. Example: "In a world dominated by social media, it's refreshing to meet a real person who values face-to-face interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a real person".

The New York Times

She was a real person.

The New York Times

Was Beatrice a real person?

The Economist

This is a real person.

The New York Times

"He is a real person".

The New Yorker

Is this a real person?

The New York Times

She's a real person".

The New York Times

"He is a real person," Hall responded.

The New York Times - Sports

He is more like a real person".

The New York Times - Health

Thought it was a real person.

The New York Times

"I'm not a real person yet".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in fiction, use the phrase "a real person" to emphasize the contrast between the character's traits and those of actual individuals.

Common error

Refrain from using "a real person" in contexts that imply someone's feelings or struggles are less valid than others'. Every individual's experiences are real and should be treated with respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real person" functions as a noun phrase with an adjective modifying the noun. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The adjective 'real' here serves to specify and emphasize the authenticity or tangibility of the person being referred to.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a real person" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the authenticity or non-fictional nature of an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent application in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. The phrase's function involves contrasting tangible and genuine individuals with artificial constructs, fictional characters, or abstract concepts. While various alternative phrases exist to convey similar meanings, understanding the precise nuances of the context is essential for accurate usage. Remember to use this expression respectfully, avoiding implications that diminish the experiences of others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an actual human being

Replaces "person" with "human being" for emphasis on being a living individual.

a genuine individual

Substitutes "real" with "genuine" and "person" with "individual" to highlight authenticity.

an authentic person

Emphasizes the characteristic of being authentic, which can imply being true to oneself.

a living soul

Uses a more poetic and evocative expression to denote a living individual.

a flesh-and-blood person

Highlights the physical and tangible aspect of being a person.

a non-fictional character

Focuses on the contrast with fictional entities, emphasizing existence in reality.

a true human

Underscores the quality of being genuinely human, with all associated traits.

a tangible being

Highlights the characteristic of being perceived especially by the sense of touch.

a breathing human

Focuses on life and being alive.

a natural person

Legal term meaning a human being, as opposed to a corporation or other legal entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real person" to emphasize that someone exists, is genuine, or isn't a fictional character. For example, "It's refreshing to meet "a real person" who isn't obsessed with social media".

What's the difference between ""a real person"" and "an actual person"?

Both phrases are very similar, but ""a real person"" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger connotation of genuineness or authenticity, whereas "an actual person" is more neutral and simply emphasizes that someone exists.

What can I say instead of ""a real person""?

You can use alternatives like "a genuine individual", "an authentic person", or "an actual human being" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a realest person"?

No, "a realest person" is not grammatically correct. "Real" is not typically used with the -est suffix to form a superlative. You could say "the most genuine person" or "the most authentic person" instead.