accepting reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepting reality" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone acknowledges the truth of a situation, often after a period of denial or resistance. Example: "After months of denial, she finally began accepting reality and made plans for her future." Alternative expressions include "facing the truth" and "acknowledging the facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But the senator would only go so far in accepting reality.

The New York Times

They are accepting reality, that they have to drive the business in other ways".

The New York Times

Despite their tremendous success as reality-television stars, neither man seems capable of accepting reality.

The New Yorker

Only by accepting reality and extending diplomatic recognition to Isis can the West hope to gain a credible means to moderate and constrain its further advance.

Independent

So perhaps the problem is not so much how Americans are wired, but rather how American politicians are wired to campaign cash from those with a vested interest in not accepting reality.

The New York Times

Accepting reality, I was proud when my oldest daughter graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, well educated and debt free as a result of our saving and sacrifices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I accept reality.

The New Yorker

Morose, bitter, he accepted reality.

The New York Times

Summer Turner simply refused to accept reality.

The Guardian

"I was forced to accept reality," Clarey wrote.

Independent

In fact, he simply accepted reality before they did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accepting reality", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific reality is being accepted. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "accepting reality" to suggest passive resignation. Emphasize the proactive aspect of understanding and dealing with the situation, not merely giving up. Instead show the next step after acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepting reality" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the process of coming to terms with circumstances, as exemplified in various contexts shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accepting reality" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, particularly within News & Media. It serves to express acknowledgment, understanding, and willingness to address existing circumstances. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is best used when emphasizing a shift from denial to active engagement with the truth. While generally neutral in tone, avoid implying passive resignation; instead, focus on the proactive aspect of understanding and acting upon the situation. Alternative expressions, like "coming to terms with reality" and "facing the truth", can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to terms with reality

Emphasizes the emotional and psychological process of adjusting to a difficult or unwanted reality.

facing up to reality

Highlights the act of confronting a situation that may have been previously avoided or ignored.

acknowledging the truth

Focuses on recognizing and admitting what is factually correct, often implying a previous denial.

recognizing the facts

Stresses the importance of basing decisions and actions on verifiable information, especially when it conflicts with desires or beliefs.

understanding the situation

Focuses on comprehending the complexities and implications of a current set of circumstances.

being realistic about

Encourages practicality and avoiding wishful thinking when assessing a situation.

sobering up to the truth

Suggests a moment of clarity after a period of delusion or misinterpretation.

confronting the facts

Implies actively addressing difficult or unpleasant truths.

admitting the facts

Highlights openly acknowledging the truth of a matter, usually after some resistance.

becoming aware of the facts

Focuses on achieving consciousness and knowledge of the existing conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "accepting reality" in a sentence?

You can use "accepting reality" to describe the act of acknowledging and understanding a situation, as in, "After the initial shock, she started "accepting reality" and planning her next steps".

What phrases are similar to "accepting reality"?

Alternatives include "facing the truth", "acknowledging the facts", or "coming to terms with reality", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "accepting reality" and "resigning to reality"?

"Accepting reality" implies understanding and dealing with a situation, while "resigning to reality" suggests passively giving in without taking further action. Accepting is about understanding and planning, resigning is about giving up.

When is it appropriate to use "accepting reality" in writing?

Use "accepting reality" when you want to highlight a shift in perspective towards understanding a situation as it is, especially after a period of denial or resistance. It's suitable in contexts ranging from personal struggles to business decisions.