bitter realities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter realities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe harsh or unpleasant truths about a situation or life in general. Example: "As we navigate through life, we often encounter bitter realities that challenge our perceptions and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But he does not avoid bitter realities.

The New York Times - Arts

What they lived were the bitter realities of the present.

The New Yorker

I hope this election will lead to an honest debate about the bitter realities of Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is something King would revisit in later short fictions, where he abandoned fantastical horror for cruel, bitter realities; but as a rare note here, it's exemplary.

The Guardian - Books

I AM A CAT Kon Ichikawa's 1975 adaptation of Soseki's three-volume novel (written in 1905-06) is a subtle, tender depiction of a Proustian circle of artists, scientists, and dreamers jolted alert by the bitter realities of Japanese society.

The New Yorker

A gripping mixture of urban confessional and political manifesto, it not only inspired a generation of black activists, but drove home the bitter realities of racism to a mainstream white liberal audience.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is the bitter reality.

The New York Times

It ended nearly six years later with bitter reality.

The New York Times

The bitter reality is that it won't.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is a bitter reality that there will always be a new name to that list.

The New York Times

The bitter reality is that it will probably be a mixture of both.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bitter realities", ensure the context clearly establishes the negative or unpleasant nature of the situation being described. Use it to add emphasis to truths that are difficult or painful to accept.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter realities" in contexts where the situation is already clearly negative or dramatic. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for simpler, more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter realities" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "realities". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase effectively describes unpleasant or harsh truths, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter realities" is a phrase used to describe harsh and unpleasant truths. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While similar phrases like "harsh truths" and "grim realities" exist, "bitter realities" often carries a stronger sense of disappointment or resentment. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. It appears in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh truths

This alternative directly replaces "bitter realities" with a more straightforward expression of unpleasant facts.

unpleasant facts

This phrase replaces "realities" with "facts", emphasizing the factual and unwelcome nature of the situation.

grim realities

Replacing "bitter" with "grim" maintains a negative connotation while providing a slightly different emotional tone.

harsh realities

Synonymous with "bitter realities", emphasizing the severity and unpleasantness of the actual circumstances.

painful truths

This alternative focuses on the emotional impact of the truths, highlighting the distress they cause.

unpalatable facts

Using "unpalatable" emphasizes that these facts are difficult to accept or face.

difficult truths

This phrase uses a more neutral tone while still conveying the challenging nature of the realities.

sobering realities

This highlights the effect these realities have on one's perspective, making one more serious and thoughtful.

stark realities

Replacing "bitter" with "stark" emphasizes the blunt and unavoidable nature of the truths.

inescapable truths

This emphasizes the unavoidable nature of these realities.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter realities" in a sentence?

You can use "bitter realities" to describe harsh or unpleasant truths, as in: "The report exposed the "bitter realities" of poverty in the region."

What phrases are similar to "bitter realities"?

Similar phrases include "harsh truths", "grim realities", and "painful facts", all conveying unpleasant or difficult truths.

Is "bitter realities" a formal or informal expression?

"Bitter realities" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in news articles, opinion pieces, and literary works. In very formal settings, consider using phrases like "unpleasant facts" or "difficult truths".

What's the difference between "bitter realities" and "harsh realities"?

While both phrases are similar, "bitter realities" often implies a sense of disappointment or resentment, while "harsh realities" focuses more on the severity and difficulty of the facts themselves. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.