be realistic for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be realistic for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or goals that should be practical and achievable in a given context. Example: "When setting your goals for the project, it's important to be realistic for what can be accomplished within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

JAMIE: Be realistic for once in your damn romantic life!

The New Yorker

I don't know what will be realistic for my own children in high school.

The New York Times

In future it simply may not be realistic for anyone but the rich to expect to pass on inheritances.

The Guardian - Money

As he says to Mike and Jerry, "I appreciate your creativity, but let's be realistic for a second".

The New Yorker

Critics have said the policy will take money away from existing schools and will only be realistic for wealthy, time-rich parents.

The Guardian

It may not be realistic for a minister, even a former accountant such as the then transport secretary Justine Greening, to go through the bid numbers herself.

The Guardian

What he was going for, anyway, was a modern treatment of wardrobe staples that would be realistic for young and contemporary customers.

The New York Times

I've often seen disabled readers or viewers ask about the potential for disabled characters in their favorite genre or series, only to be disparagingly told that it wouldn't be realistic for them to survive.

The Guardian

In Iran, it is not acceptable for an actress to show her hair, but it would not be realistic for this elderly woman to appear in her house in hijab.

The New Yorker

Johnston said the trustees accepted it "would not be realistic" for the joint venture or any buyer of Tata Steel UK to take on responsibility for funding the current and future deficit.

The Guardian - Business

You may not find all of these techniques to be realistic for a project, but you can abstract some smaller ideas from them to make your code safer and stronger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, use "be realistic for" to ensure the objectives are achievable given the available resources and constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "be realistic for" as an excuse to lower standards excessively. Aim for ambitious yet attainable targets, balancing aspiration with practicality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be realistic for" functions as a qualifier, setting expectations or parameters within the bounds of possibility or practicality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples demonstrate its use in assessing the feasibility of plans, goals, or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be realistic for" is a versatile phrase used to align expectations with practicality, functioning as a qualifier to ensure plans and goals are achievable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register, making it widely applicable. To enhance writing, ensure that while you "be realistic for", avoid lowering standards excessively. Consider alternatives like "be practical for" or "be feasible for" to add nuance. Use "be realistic for" thoughtfully to strike a balance between ambition and practicality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be practical for

Focuses on whether something is workable or suitable in practice.

be feasible for

Emphasizes the possibility and convenience of doing something.

be viable for

Highlights the capability of something to function independently and sustainably.

be achievable for

Stresses the ability to reach a specific goal or outcome.

be attainable for

Similar to achievable, but often implies a degree of effort to obtain.

be reasonable for

Indicates something is logical and justifiable under the circumstances.

be sensible for

Highlights the wisdom and rationality of a particular course of action.

be appropriate for

Focuses on the suitability of something for a particular situation or purpose.

be within the realms of possibility for

Indicates that something, while perhaps unlikely, is still possible.

align with expectations for

Emphasizes that something meets anticipated outcomes or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "be realistic for" in a sentence?

You can use "be realistic for" when discussing expectations or goals that should be practical and achievable in a given context. For example: "When setting your goals for the project, it's important to be realistic for what can be accomplished within the given timeframe."

What are some alternatives to "be realistic for"?

Alternatives include "be practical for", "be feasible for", or "be achievable for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "be realistic for" or "be optimistic for" when planning?

While optimism is valuable, it's generally better to "be realistic for" when planning. This ensures that your plans are grounded in reality and have a higher chance of success. However, a balance of both is often ideal.

How does "be realistic for" differ from "be reasonable for"?

"Be realistic for" focuses on what is practically achievable given the circumstances, while "be reasonable for" emphasizes fairness and justification. While related, they address different aspects of a situation.