approaching reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, idea, or concept that is becoming more aligned with or similar to actual circumstances or truths. Example: "The new technology is approaching reality, as prototypes are now being tested in real-world conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Since Lord Mervyn Davies launched the Garden Bridge Trust in 2013, the concept has evolved into something approaching reality.

Independent

Therefore, the solution lies not in greater class solidarity but, on the contrary, in acquiring a more-enlightened understanding by approaching reality from a multiplicity of perspectives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor are they all approaching reality TV with fingers to nostrils and the phrase "this too shall pass" on their lips.

The New York Times - Arts

It's another scene, in a way, a staged dose of something approaching reality, only not as interesting as what surrounds it and not as strange.

The New York Times - Arts

Any satisfactory correlation of science and religion must supply a theory of the mutual relations of these two methods of approaching reality.

Nature

Communicating with his teacher and colleagues, a student gets information, clarifies, deepens, consolidates, systemizes, checks his own ideas and views, improves his strategies for approaching reality, develops his cognitive attitudes.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Alongside his obvious disgust, Blasim approaches reality with a sense of awe and great mystery.

The Guardian - Books

It has been a slogan since the late sixties that "the personal is political," but it has taken until the age of social media for that ideal to approach reality, because social media has effaced the distinction.

The New Yorker

As it turns out — and this was also something of a surprise — there is a consensus, both in Washington and on Wall Street, that mortgage-backed securities have been marked down to levels that have started to approach reality.

The New York Times

Thus, for example, the study of mind (history) and the study of matter (natural science) are sciences in this sense of the term for they approach reality with a particular set of questions and with a particular set of presuppositions.

SEP

It involved the production of studies about "alternative worlds", where the aim was to transcend the uniformity that characterised the way traditional political circles approached reality, particularly the future.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approaching reality" to describe situations where something is in the process of becoming real or more realistic, especially when discussing technological advancements, plans, or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "approaching reality" when the actual realization is still distant or uncertain. Use phrases like "potentially becoming reality" or "moving toward reality" to indicate a less definite outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching reality" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, often acting as a predicate adjective describing a subject that is in the process of becoming more real or achievable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where ideas or technologies are nearing actualization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approaching reality" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the process of something becoming more real or realistic. Ludwig AI validates its frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic discussions. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context aligns with something actively transitioning towards realization. Alternatives include "becoming a reality" and "getting closer to reality", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "approaching reality" to add clarity and precision to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming a reality

Focuses on the result of the process rather than the process itself.

drawing nearer to reality

Emphasizes the gradual movement and diminishing distance from reality.

getting closer to reality

A more informal way of saying something is becoming more realistic.

nearing reality

Highlights the state of being close to becoming real.

verging on reality

Implies that something is on the edge of becoming real.

approximating reality

Focuses on how closely something imitates or resembles reality.

materializing

Highlights the transformation from concept to something tangible.

taking shape

Emphasizes the gradual development and formation of something real.

coming to fruition

Highlights the successful culmination of a process into a tangible outcome.

on the horizon

Indicates that something real is expected or imminent.

FAQs

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

You can use "approaching reality" to describe something that is in the process of becoming real or more realistic. For example, "The technology demonstrated at the conference is "approaching reality", with several companies planning to release similar products next year."

What are some alternatives to "approaching reality"?

Alternatives include "becoming a reality", "getting closer to reality", or "drawing nearer to reality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "approach reality" instead of "approaching reality"?

While "approach reality" is grammatically correct, it implies a general method or way of dealing with reality, rather than describing something in the process of becoming real. "Approaching reality" is used to describe a specific scenario or concept that's actively moving towards being realized.

What's the difference between "approaching reality" and "becoming a reality"?

"Approaching reality" describes the process of something becoming real, whereas "becoming a reality" signifies the final state of being real. For example, research is "approaching reality" when its first successful trials start, and "becoming a reality" when it is fully implemented.