borders on fantasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "borders on fantasy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very close to being fantastical or unrealistic, often in a context where the line between reality and imagination is blurred. Example: "His explanation of the event was so exaggerated that it bordered on fantasy, making it hard to believe any of it was true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But to drag such criticism further, to stomp off petulantly and rip apart the binding threads during that election -- it borders on fantasy at best, and self-destructive at worst.

Huffington Post

As Grossman said in 2011, the phrase American Tolkien "has stuck to [Martin], as it was meant to", being picked up by the media including The New York Times ("He's much better than that"), the New Yorker, Entertainment Weekly ("an acclaim that borders on fantasy blasphemy"), The Globe and Mail and USA Today.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Equally characteristic was otherworldliness bordering on fantasy.

The Economist

Mark Passion," and any full-length portrayal of it would necessarily border on fantasy.

The New York Times

In other words, Romney could be viewed as the sort of person that Republicans used to nominate, and someone who, in 2016, is a figure bordering on fantasy.

The New Yorker

On the eve of each new football season, optimism has a tendency to become so extreme as to border on fantasy.

The Guardian - Sport

At a recent panel discussion at the Museum of the American Indian, Joseph B. Rose, a member of the City Planning Commission, said that much of the discussion about Governors Island bordered on fantasy.

The New York Times

The possible solutions in play so far seem to border on fantasy.

Los Angeles Times

Allow me to make a hypothetical assumption that to many will border on fantasy.

Huffington Post

It was a strange life on the borders of fantasy and reality.

The New York Times

That people who think of themselves as left wing can brush it aside and pretend that working and middle-class Scots won't suffer is a self-deception so extreme it borders on religious fantasy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "borders on fantasy" to describe scenarios, ideas, or explanations that are so exaggerated or unrealistic that they are difficult to believe or accept as true. It's suitable when emphasizing the implausibility of something without outright dismissing it as false.

Common error

Avoid using "borders on fantasy" when you simply mean something is creative or imaginative. The phrase implies a degree of unbelievability or absurdity, so ensure the context reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "borders on fantasy" primarily functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or situation by indicating that it is approaching the realm of the unbelievable or imaginary. Ludwig AI affirms its usage in contexts involving exaggeration or detachment from reality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "borders on fantasy" is a qualifier used to express that something is approaching the realm of the unbelievable. Ludwig AI confirms the expression to be correct. It is most often found in news and media contexts and used to express skepticism or disbelief by indicating that something seems almost fabricated. While the frequency is rare, the phrase is grammatically sound and easily understood. When using the phrase, ensure that it is used to emphasize the implausibility of something without outright dismissing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is close to being imaginary

Straightforwardly indicates the situation is nearly imaginary, focusing on the state of being unreal.

approaches the realm of fantasy

Emphasizes the idea of getting closer to something unreal, by focusing on the destination instead of the movement.

verges on the fantastical

Highlights the point of almost being fantastical but not quite, similar to the original phrase's nuance.

nears the impossible

Shifts the focus to the improbability aspect, suggesting the situation is almost unachievable or unrealistic.

is akin to a dream

Uses a simile to convey the sense of unreality, framing it as something dreamlike.

resembles make-believe

Directly compares the situation to something fabricated or imaginary.

smacks of unreality

Conveys a sense of something being tainted with unreality, suggesting a strong but unpleasant hint of fantasy.

has a touch of the surreal

Introduces a subtle element of the bizarre or dreamlike, implying a lighter, more artistic form of unreality.

sounds like fiction

Suggests the implausibility in the situation is something derived from stories.

is bordering on the absurd

Indicates an approach to irrationality. Focus is not on the unrealistic scenario but on irrationality.

FAQs

How can I use "borders on fantasy" in a sentence?

You can use "borders on fantasy" to describe situations that are almost too unrealistic to be believed. For example, "His explanation of the events "borders on fantasy", making it difficult to accept as the truth."

What does it mean when something "borders on fantasy"?

When something "borders on fantasy", it means it is very close to being fantastical or imaginary, often implying it's exaggerated or unrealistic to the point of being unbelievable.

What are some alternatives to saying "borders on fantasy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "approaches the realm of fantasy", "verges on the fantastical", or "is close to being imaginary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "borders on fantasy"?

The phrase "borders on fantasy" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express that something is nearly unbelievable or highly improbable, often due to exaggeration or detachment from reality. News and media contexts discussing implausible scenarios or Wiki articles referencing unreal situations are applicable scenarios.