are not real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not exist or is not genuine. Example: "The rumors circulating about the celebrity's scandal are not real; they are just fabrications by the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Aliens are not real.

Cornell University

They are not real.

The Guardian

Chemtrails are not real.

Nature

"Chemtrails" are not real.

Nature

Those are not real football stadiums.

The New York Times

Alligators are not real runners or anything".

The New York Times

No. Jokes are not real.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The doctors are not real optimistic".

The New York Times - Sports

"These are not real stories," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The phase only azimuthal terms are not real-valued functions.

Nature

For Naipaul, these men are not 'real people'.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are not real", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being deemed unreal, fictitious, or untrue to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify, "The fears you have are not real; they are based on past experiences."

Common error

Avoid using "are not real" to dismiss someone's subjective experiences or feelings, as this can be invalidating. Instead, acknowledge their feelings while clarifying objective realities. For instance, instead of saying "Your fears are not real", try "Your fears are understandable, but the immediate danger is not real."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not real" functions as a predicative adjective, denying the existence or genuineness of something. Ludwig examples show it used to negate the reality of various concepts, from fears to movie scenes. The affirmation from Ludwig AI, supports its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not real" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to deny the truth, authenticity, or existence of something. As shown by the Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. With a "very common" frequency, it appears most often in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity and be mindful of the potential to invalidate subjective experiences. Alternatives such as "are nonexistent" or "are untrue" can provide nuanced variations. This phrase effectively serves to clarify misconceptions, challenge assumptions, and distinguish between reality and illusion in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are nonexistent

Focuses on the absence of existence.

are untrue

Highlights the lack of truthfulness.

are fabricated

Emphasizes the artificial or invented nature of something.

are imaginary

Indicates something exists only in the imagination.

are fictitious

Similar to imaginary, suggesting a creation of fiction.

are bogus

Suggests something is fake or fraudulent.

are spurious

Implies something is not genuine or authentic.

are counterfeit

Focuses on the imitation or forgery of something.

are sham

Indicates something is a deceptive imitation.

are illusory

Highlights the deceptive or misleading nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are not real" in a sentence?

You can use "are not real" to indicate that something is false, imaginary, or lacks authenticity. For example, "The dangers presented in the simulation "are not real"."

What phrases can I use instead of "are not real"?

Alternatives include "are nonexistent", "are untrue", or "are imaginary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are not real"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules when used to negate the reality of something.

What's the difference between "are not real" and "aren't real"?

"Aren't real" is simply a contraction of "are not real". Both phrases carry the same meaning and are grammatically correct, though "aren't real" is slightly more informal.