cannot be real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be real" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing disbelief or skepticism about the authenticity or existence of something. Example: "The idea that he could win the lottery twice in a row cannot be real."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Consequently, spatial extension cannot be real.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's no reason why the vision of America cannot be real".

The New York Times

In this classic text, Richard Cytowic quickly disposes of earlier criticisms that the phenomenon cannot be "real," demonstrating that it is indeed brain-based.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For Li Hui, there cannot be real change until state-run museums dismantle their walls of resistance to displaying the works of contemporary Chinese artists.

The New York Times - Arts

It is telling that in her final line, Sophie sings, "it's a dream; it cannot be real that we two are together".

The Guardian - Music

Her acolyte relationship with a Catholic nun brings us back to the least satisfying solution, a generic over-concern for others so abstract its basis cannot be real love.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

This cannot be a real toy, thought Witte, although the packaging looked real enough.

Vice

However, the methods are computationally expensive and cannot be employed real time.

Advances in Space Research

The infinitesimal ι cannot be a real number, of course, but it can be something like an infinite decreasing sequence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Any savvy shopper, for example, knows a Louis Vuitton bag selling for $100 cannot be the real thing.

The New York Times

They cannot be a real danger to society or government, but they can be very harmful to the image of the government".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be real" to express strong disbelief or skepticism, especially when confronting something that seems improbable or defies logic.

Common error

While "cannot be real" is acceptable, it might sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "is not credible" or "lacks substantiation" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be real" functions as an expression of disbelief or skepticism. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to challenge the authenticity or validity of a statement or situation. The auxiliary verb "cannot" indicates impossibility, while "be real" denotes a state of actuality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be real" is a common expression used to convey strong disbelief or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, though it notes a slightly informal tone. Analysis reveals that this phrase often appears in News & Media and Science domains. When a more formal tone is necessary, alternatives such as "is not credible" or "lacks substantiation" may be more appropriate. When expressing disbelief or questioning something that seems impossible, the phrase "cannot be real" serves as an appropriate response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot possibly be true

Emphasizes the impossibility or improbability of something being true.

could not be further from the truth

Highlights a stark contrast between a statement and reality.

is simply not credible

Focuses on the lack of believability of something.

is beyond belief

Indicates that something is so extraordinary that it's hard to accept.

is too good to be true

Expresses skepticism about something that seems exceptionally favorable.

is nothing more than a fantasy

Suggests that something exists only in imagination and lacks a basis in reality.

defies reality

Implies that something goes against the established laws or norms of reality.

is a figment of imagination

Presents something as purely a product of someone's mind, without any real existence.

is an illusion

Indicates that something appears real but is deceptive.

is just make-believe

Categorizes something as a fabrication or pretense.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be real" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be real" to express disbelief or skepticism. For example, "The idea that he won the lottery twice "cannot be real"."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be real"?

Alternatives include "cannot possibly be true", "is simply not credible", or "is too good to be true" depending on the context.

Is "cannot be real" formal or informal?

"Cannot be real" leans towards the informal side. For formal situations, consider phrases like "is not credible" or "lacks substantiation".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be real"?

It's appropriate when you want to express strong disbelief or skepticism about something that seems highly improbable or challenges your understanding of reality.