be realistic to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be realistic to the" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear and does not convey a clear meaning; a more appropriate phrase would be "be realistic about" or "be realistic in regard to." Example: "When setting your goals, it's important to be realistic about your capabilities and resources."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Cities

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Housing design and construction must also be realistic to the current needs, lifestyle and resource availability of low-income households instead of relying on passé colonial regulations which are inappropriate for current living conditions.

Cities

Be realistic to the fullest.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are limits to the resources that can be invested and this also highlights the importance of crafting guidelines that are realistic to the local context.

Critical Care

As you work strategically toward your goals, regularly assess the following: Determine if your goals are realistic to the time frame you have outlined.

WikiHow

We then thought that it might be realistic to apply the Discriminant analysis, which factors a mathematical model described in the statistics section.

BMC Gastroenterology

It's just a first step, a chance to see if it would be realistic to take the next one".

Independent

"But for the large quantity of cases your data reflects, it would not be realistic to call us the alternative".

Huffington Post

Even then, it may not be realistic to think about beating the markets.

Independent

In this day and age, people have to be realistic to what their value is on the open market.

The New York Times - Sports

In this manner, we believe it is realistic to cover the 5 top-rated topics across the 4 years of medical school or during residency programs.

BMC Medical Education

Commissioner Roger Goodell said yesterday that it was realistic to think the Super Bowl could someday be played outside the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the need for a practical approach, use the phrase "be realistic about" followed by the specific area or situation you are addressing. This ensures clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "to the" after "be realistic". The correct preposition to use is "about". Saying "be realistic to the situation" is grammatically incorrect; instead, say "be realistic about the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be realistic to the" aims to express the need for practicality and alignment with reality. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct usage involves using "be realistic about" instead.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Cities

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be realistic to the" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests that the correct form is "be realistic about". Although examples exist, they are infrequent, and standard English usage prefers the latter. When aiming for clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, it's best to use "be realistic about" followed by the subject in question. While the intended message is understandable, adhering to proper grammar enhances communication and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be realistic about

This is the most common and grammatically correct alternative. It shifts the preposition to "about", which is the standard usage for expressing realism in relation to something.

have realistic expectations

This alternative focuses on setting achievable goals and avoiding disappointment by understanding the limitations of a situation.

be practical regarding

This alternative uses "practical" instead of "realistic", emphasizing the feasibility and usefulness of an approach. It also uses "regarding" to specify the subject being considered.

be sensible about

This alternative uses "sensible", highlighting the importance of making sound judgments and avoiding unreasonable expectations.

be grounded in reality

This phrase emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the actual circumstances and avoiding wishful thinking.

be pragmatic about

This alternative focuses on a practical, results-oriented approach, prioritizing effectiveness over idealism.

face the facts

This idiom emphasizes acknowledging and accepting the truth, even if it is unpleasant.

see things as they are

This emphasizes objective perception and avoiding biased or distorted views.

keep it real

This informal phrase encourages authenticity and honesty, avoiding pretense or artificiality.

be down to earth

Emphasizes a practical and sensible approach, avoiding pretension or unrealistic ideas.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "be realistic to the"?

The grammatically correct alternative is to say "be realistic about". This is the standard phrasing used in English.

What does it mean to be realistic about something?

To be realistic about something means to have a practical and accurate understanding of the situation, considering the available resources, limitations, and potential challenges. It involves setting achievable goals and avoiding unrealistic expectations.

What can I say instead of "be realistic to the" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can use phrases like "be practical regarding", "be sensible about", or "have realistic expectations".

Why is "be realistic to the" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "be realistic to the" is not standard English because the preposition "to" does not properly connect the adjective "realistic" with the object being considered. The correct preposition in this context is "about".