differ from reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ from reality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something is not aligned with or is distinct from what is actually true or factual. Example: "The characters in the novel often differ from reality, creating a fantastical world that captivates readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Perception can differ from reality.

Biomedical Ethics for Engineers Ethics and Decision Making in Biomedical and Biosystem Engineering

Again, these perceptions differ from reality.

The Guardian

I find it fascinating how the perception of your speed can differ from reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, if only highly elastic materials are used, experience shows –comprehensibly – that the designed geometry and stresses, derived from standard formulations or special computer software, both using small strain membrane theory, essentially differ from reality.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes

In the research, being published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, murderers in Midsomer were compared with cases from a UK region – Lothian & Borders – to measure just how far fictional stereotypes differ from reality and affect public health messages.

Independent

A poll of the euro area, done by the European Commission, also shows a rise in the balance of consumers expecting higher inflation (see left-hand chart, below).One reason to question these shifts is that consumers' perceptions often differ from reality.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But here too rhetoric often differs from reality.

The Economist

That gave them a sense of how Stuart's artistic style differed from reality.

Science Magazine

When our perception of an image differs from reality, we experience a visual illusion.

Science Magazine

Although the simulation differs from reality (especially in the high-frequency range), it yielded to perceptually satisfactory results.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

The testing procedure differs from reality where muscle forces, bending moments and ligament act together in the knee biomechanics and hence alter the real charging of the plates.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "differ from reality", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'reality' is, providing a concrete reference point for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "differ from reality" when the 'reality' is subjective or open to interpretation. This can weaken your argument and make your statement seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ from reality" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state of non-alignment or discrepancy between a subject and actual circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "differ from reality" effectively conveys a discrepancy between a given subject and the actual state of affairs. Grammatically correct and versatile across diverse contexts, it serves to highlight contrasts and inaccuracies. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources such as Forbes, The Guardian, and The New York Times, underscores its reliability. Remember to clearly define what constitutes 'reality' in your context for maximum impact. While "is divorced from reality" can be more intense, choosing the right phrase depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is divorced from reality

Expresses a complete separation or disconnection from real-world conditions.

diverge from fact

Focuses on the separation or branching off from established facts.

at odds with reality

Indicates a conflict or incompatibility with the actual state of things.

misrepresent the reality

Emphasizes the misleading presentation of facts.

contrast with actuality

Highlights the opposition between a concept and the real situation.

contradict the truth

Focuses on the direct opposition with verifiable facts.

deviate from the truth

Emphasizes the departure from factual accuracy or honesty.

bear little resemblance to the truth

Highlights the lack of similarity between a statement and reality.

mismatch reality

Indicates a lack of correspondence or alignment with the real world.

belie the facts

Suggests that something contradicts or gives a false impression of the true facts.

FAQs

How can I use "differ from reality" in a sentence?

You can use "differ from reality" to highlight a contrast between perception and fact, as in "The movie's portrayal of the event "differs from reality"".

What are some alternatives to "differ from reality"?

Some alternatives include "deviate from the truth", "contrast with actuality", or "diverge from fact", each emphasizing a different aspect of the discrepancy.

Is it always negative to say something "differs from reality"?

Not necessarily. It can simply indicate a distinction, as in fictional narratives or theoretical models, without implying fault or deception. However, it often carries a connotation of inaccuracy or misrepresentation.

How does "differ from reality" compare to "is divorced from reality"?

"Differ from reality" suggests a discrepancy, while "is divorced from reality" implies a complete separation or detachment, indicating a more extreme divergence.