but not real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something exists in a conceptual or fictional sense but does not have a tangible or actual presence. Example: "The characters in the story are vivid and engaging, but not real."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not real life.

The New Yorker

But not real democracy.

The Guardian

Spectacular but not real work.

The Guardian - Film

It's flexible, but not real soft".

The New York Times - Style

Panel 4: Emotional Pain: Real to the Brain But not Real to the Law?

Harvard University

(Thus, the commission can ban lawn darts or cork guns, but not real firearms).

The New York Times

A Tough Year for Hedge Funds, but Not Real Estate | Square Persists with I.P.O.

The New York Times

Saylor described the damage to the front of Woods's vehicle as "not real extensive, but not real light".

The New York Times - Sports

Its mountainous terrain has been rendered with the cartoonish verisimilitude of a standard computer "shooter" game, realistic but not real.

The New York Times - Arts

As one of Kolesnikov's lawyers, Anna Stavitskaya, explained to me, "They could only offer some kind of speculation, but not real testimony".

The New Yorker

Tampa still has plans to enact a downtown ban during the convention on other potential weapons, including clubs, switchblades and squirt guns — but not real guns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not real", ensure the contrast is clear. It's most effective when immediately following a statement suggesting reality or authenticity to create emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "but not real" in overly simplistic or obvious scenarios. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, opt for more nuanced language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not real" primarily functions as a conjunction phrase that serves to introduce a contrast, negating an immediately preceding or implied assertion of reality or authenticity. This is validated by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not real" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a contrasting element, emphasizing the absence of genuine authenticity. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage across various domains such as News & Media, Science and Academia. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English and indicates its effectiveness in qualifying statements, thus highlighting the importance of nuanced and precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not genuinely

Indicates a lack of authenticity or sincerity.

yet fictional

Emphasizes the imaginary aspect, omitting the contrast implied by "but".

though imaginary

Highlights the imaginary nature, downplaying any perceived reality.

merely apparent

Suggests that something only seems to be real, but isn't in actuality.

however simulated

Focuses on the artificial creation of something that mimics reality.

while counterfeit

Stresses the false or imitation nature of something.

technically false

Implies that something is incorrect, even if it appears to be true.

albeit illusory

Emphasizes the deceptive or unreal quality.

even if superficial

Highlights the lack of depth or substance.

seemingly authentic

Highlights a contradiction by suggesting something has a real appearance but is not.

FAQs

How can I use "but not real" in a sentence?

You can use "but not real" to contrast a perceived reality with an actual lack of authenticity. For example: "The movie set looked impressive, but not real."

What's a good alternative to "but not real"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "yet fictional", "though imaginary", or "not genuinely".

Is it ever incorrect to use "but not real"?

While grammatically correct, "but not real" might sound awkward if a more specific descriptor exists. Choose language that precisely conveys your intended meaning.

What is the difference between "but not real" and "though not real"?

"But not real" implies a stronger contrast, while "though not real" suggests a milder concession. "But" emphasizes the lack of reality; "though" acknowledges a perceived reality before negating it.