become realistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become realistic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need for a more practical or achievable approach to a situation or idea. Example: "As we plan our project, we need to become realistic about our budget and timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

We have to put that behind us and become realistic".

The Guardian

By Andrew Marantz June 9, 2016 On "Silicon Valley," events like Code, organized by Kara Swisher, become realistic fiction.

The New Yorker

Would genuine and sensible alternatives become realistic if oil hits $200 a barrel in the next year or so?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Direct intervention by Russian troops in combat roles then followed in the middle of August, when the prospect of rebel defeat had become realistic.

The Guardian

If Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinians are ready to move ahead in these ways, it could again become realistic to talk of eventual Mideast peace.

The New York Times

In the coming months, many executives will stumble, cutting staff too deeply or refusing to become realistic about how quickly their businesses can grow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

At that point, our chances became realistic.

The New York Times - Sports

He countered: "What sounds unrealistic today becomes realistic tomorrow.

The Guardian

The film certainly played a part in creating a climate in which extermination became realistic as a policy.

The New Yorker

A decade passed, Mr. Mocco said, before the notion of rebuilding in beat-up urban areas became realistic again.

The New York Times

But Mr. Focus has a good deal more poker to focus on before any such possibility becomes realistic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "become realistic" with stronger verbs like 'implement', 'enforce', or 'achieve' if the emphasis is on tangible outcomes rather than attitude shifts.

Common error

Avoid using "become realistic" as a general instruction without specifying the area needing adjustment. Instead of saying, "The team needs to become realistic", clarify with, "The team needs to become realistic about the project timeline and resource allocation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become realistic" functions as a verb phrase expressing a process of shifting towards a more practical or achievable mindset. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts ranging from project planning to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become realistic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that encourages a shift towards practicality and feasibility. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's essential to apply this phrase with clear context, specifying the area requiring adjustment. While versatile, it's advisable to consider stronger action verbs or more formal alternatives like "adopt a practical approach" depending on the situation. With consistent usage across news, science, and business, mastering "become realistic" enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a practical approach

This highlights the shift towards methods and solutions that are feasible and effective.

be pragmatic

This suggests adopting a practical and sensible approach, which is a key aspect of becoming realistic.

temper expectations

This focuses on adjusting hopes and desires to align with what is realistically possible.

get real

This is a more direct and informal way of saying "become realistic", often used to urge someone to face the truth.

embrace reality

Acknowledge and accept the true circumstances of a situation, even if unpleasant.

come down to earth

Similar to 'become grounded', this implies a shift from idealistic thinking to a more realistic perspective.

face the facts

This phrase emphasizes confronting unpleasant or challenging realities, a component of becoming realistic.

become grounded

This suggests a return to reality and a rejection of unrealistic expectations.

recognize limitations

This highlights an awareness of what is achievable and what is not, an essential part of becoming realistic.

develop a sense of perspective

This suggests gaining a balanced view of a situation, leading to more realistic assessments.

FAQs

How can I use "become realistic" in a sentence?

You can use "become realistic" to express the need for a more practical approach. For example, "After the initial excitement, we need to "become realistic" about the budget".

What's a more formal way to say "become realistic"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "adopt a practical approach" or "temper expectations". These options provide a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "become realistic"?

While grammatically correct, using "become realistic" might be inappropriate if the context requires a stronger action verb. Assess if a more direct verb, such as 'implement' or 'enforce', better conveys the intended meaning.

What are some situations where "become pragmatic" might be a better choice than "become realistic"?

While both phrases encourage practical thinking, "become pragmatic" is better suited when discussing decision-making that prioritizes effectiveness and achieving specific goals, whereas "become realistic" is better when talking about expectations and acceptance of what is achievable.