cruel reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"cruel reality" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a harsh truth or difficult situation that is unpleasant to face. For example: "It was a cruel reality when she received the news of her grandmother's death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cruel reality, though, has intervened.

The New York Times

That's the cruel reality".

The New York Times - Sports

None of this changes the cruel reality of rejection.

The Guardian

Ms. Miranda's story reflects a cruel reality in Mexico.

The New York Times

Then his excitement drained away, and cold, cruel reality hit him.

The New Yorker

The cruel reality is that "people power" has become a global brand.

The Guardian - Opinion

They smiled at the cruel reality of it all, as they tried to explain to me what they were feeling.

The New York Times

Both poignantly explore the cruel reality of a life touched (or rather grabbed) by cancer, but in very different ways.

The Guardian

The harsh and cruel reality is a lack of guidance and investment has left the titles cast adrift.

The Guardian

For those midway through their careers, the recession has brought with it the cruel reality of redundancy, cutbacks and closures.

The Guardian

The cruel reality of charity fundraising can decree that tragic individual stories, fuelled by media reports, can bring significant sums.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cruel reality" to emphasize the harsh and unforgiving nature of a situation. This phrase is best suited for contexts where the truth is not only unpleasant but also causes significant distress or hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "cruel reality" in situations where the situation is only mildly inconvenient or disappointing. The phrase carries a strong emotional weight and should be reserved for truly severe circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel reality" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation or fact that is not only true but also causes pain or suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cruel reality" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a harsh and painful truth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it should be used judiciously to avoid over-dramatization, and considering alternative phrases like "harsh truth" or "grim reality" can refine your message. This phrase serves to emphasize the unfortunate aspect of facts. When writing, remember to reserve it for truly severe circumstances and be aware of its formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh truth

Focuses on the unpleasant aspect of the truth, omitting the 'reality' element.

bitter truth

Highlights the emotional impact of the truth, emphasizing its unpleasantness.

grim reality

Emphasizes the bleak and depressing nature of the situation.

harsh facts

Replaces 'reality' with 'facts', focusing on verifiable information that is unpleasant.

unpleasant truth

A more general term for a truth that is not enjoyable to face.

stark reality

Highlights the bare and blunt nature of the reality, without sugarcoating.

cold hard truth

Stresses the unemotional and unforgiving nature of the truth.

difficult reality

Focuses on the challenges presented by the reality, rather than its cruelty.

painful truth

Emphasizes the emotional suffering caused by the truth.

sobering reality

Highlights the reality's ability to make one serious and thoughtful.

FAQs

How can I use "cruel reality" in a sentence?

You can use "cruel reality" to describe a harsh and unpleasant situation or truth, like in the sentence: "The "cruel reality" is that many people struggle to find affordable housing."

What are some alternatives to "cruel reality"?

Alternatives to "cruel reality" include phrases like "harsh truth", "bitter truth", or "grim reality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cruel reality" or "brutal reality"?

Both "cruel reality" and "brutal reality" are acceptable. "Cruel" emphasizes the causing of pain or suffering, while "brutal" emphasizes the harshness or severity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "cruel reality" and "harsh reality"?

"Cruel reality" implies that the situation is not only difficult but also causes pain or suffering. "Harsh reality", on the other hand, simply indicates that the situation is difficult or unpleasant, without necessarily implying cruelty.