departures from reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "departures from reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations, thoughts, or behaviors that diverge from what is considered real or factual. Example: "The novel explores the character's frequent departures from reality, illustrating their struggle with mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Obviously, there were a few oversimplifications and departures from reality necessary for a coherent storyline.

The Guardian

For many independent computer animators, however, motion capture is a starting point for radical departures from reality.

The New York Times

More familiar departures from reality were exemplified in The Cheat of Words by Steve McCaffery, who exposed the truth of politics through the lies politicians tell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such theories, in politics, can act like a drug, causing addiction, euphoria and psychedelic departures from reality.

Huffington Post

Scalia earned his stripes as the court's loosest jurisprudential cannon for his departures from reality last June in the court's rulings on Obamacare (King v. Burwell) and same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges).

Huffington Post

Some departures from reality may be inadvertent if scenarios are developed with insufficient attention to local routines, forcing participants to sidestep usual procedures.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

(In one departure from reality, his character graduated from college and became a lawyer).

The New York Times - Arts

Mick chose flattery, which is very like junk — a departure from reality.

The New York Times - Books

There's the same bizarre plot convolutions and holiday-romance departure from reality.

The Guardian - Film

There was something of a departure from reality in tonight's episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Looking in the literature (and from my own measurements), this seems a major departure from reality," Hoegh-Guldberg wrote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "departures from reality" when describing situations or ideas that significantly diverge from factual accuracy or common understanding. It's suitable for both serious and slightly more whimsical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "departures from reality" for minor errors or simple mistakes. Reserve it for situations where the deviation is substantial and potentially impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "departures from reality" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing deviations from factual accuracy. It highlights a divergence from what is considered real or true.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "departures from reality" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe deviations from truth and facts. Ludwig AI validates that it’s grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but predominantly appears in news, science and encyclopedic content. While alternatives such as "escapes from reality" or "flights of fancy" exist, "departures from reality" carries a more neutral and analytical tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the described deviation is substantial and consequential, not just a minor inaccuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escapes from reality

Focuses on the act of evading or avoiding reality.

deviations from reality

Highlights the act of straying or diverging from reality.

flights of fancy

Implies imaginative and whimsical thoughts, often unrealistic.

breaks with reality

Suggests a more abrupt or forceful separation from reality.

losing touch with reality

Emphasizes a gradual detachment or disconnection from reality.

distortions of reality

Focuses on how reality is misrepresented or altered.

fantasies

Refers to imagined scenarios that are often unrealistic.

illusions

Implies a deceptive or misleading perception of reality.

delusions

Refers to false beliefs firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, often associated with mental health conditions.

hallucinations

Involves perceiving things that aren't actually present, a severe form of departure from reality.

FAQs

What does "departures from reality" mean?

The phrase "departures from reality" refers to situations, ideas, or behaviors that deviate significantly from what is considered factual, realistic, or commonly accepted as true. It suggests a movement away from the real world and into something imagined, distorted, or untrue.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "departures from reality"?

It's appropriate to use "departures from reality" when you want to emphasize a significant disconnect between what is presented or believed and what is actually true. This can apply to fiction, politics, psychology, and more.

What are some alternatives to "departures from reality"?

You can use alternatives like "escapes from reality", "deviations from reality", or "flights of fancy" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "departure from reality" the same as "denial of reality"?

While related, they're not identical. "Departure from reality" is broader, encompassing imagination and fantasy. "Denial of reality" implies a conscious rejection of facts, often to avoid uncomfortable truths.