differs from reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"differs from reality" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which something is not the same as what is actually happening in real life. For example: "The picture they painted of their company's success differs from reality; they are in fact struggling financially."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But here too rhetoric often differs from reality.

The Economist

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

In the quantum mechanical treatment, the electron in a ground state hydrogen atom has no angular momentum at all an illustration of how the "planetary orbit" conception of electron motion differs from reality.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

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

Perception can differ from reality.

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

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

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differs from reality" to clearly point out the contrast between an expectation, perception, or representation and the actual state of affairs. This helps to highlight discrepancies and prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "differs from reality" when you simply mean that something is complex or nuanced. This phrase is specifically for situations where there's a clear divergence between what is believed or portrayed and what is actually true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differs from reality" functions as a comparative statement, highlighting a discrepancy between a perceived or expected state and the actual state. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this, showcasing instances where rhetoric, perception, or simulation do not align with the true situation. This phrase emphasizes a contrast or divergence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "differs from reality" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to emphasize the contrast between a perception, expectation, or representation and the actual state of things. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources, it serves to correct misconceptions and provide a more accurate understanding. When using the phrase, ensure that there is a clear discrepancy between what is believed and what is true, avoiding its application in situations that simply involve complexity or nuance. Related phrases such as "does not reflect reality" or "is at odds with actuality" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not reflect reality

Emphasizes the lack of correspondence between a representation or perception and the actual world.

is inconsistent with the truth

Highlights a lack of agreement or harmony with what is known to be true.

deviates from the truth

Focuses on the divergence from factual accuracy, emphasizing a departure from what is verifiably correct.

diverges from the facts

Similar to "deviates from the truth", this option emphasizes the divergence from accurate information.

presents a false picture

Implies that something is misrepresented or depicted inaccurately, creating a misleading impression.

is at odds with actuality

Highlights a conflict or inconsistency between a concept or expectation and the true state of things.

contradicts the facts

Directly asserts that something opposes or clashes with established factual information.

is not grounded in reality

Suggests that a concept or belief is speculative or unrealistic, lacking a solid basis in factual evidence.

belies the actual situation

Suggests that an outward appearance or statement conceals or misrepresents the true circumstances.

is divorced from reality

Indicates a complete separation or detachment from the true state of affairs.

FAQs

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

Use "differs from reality" to highlight a contrast between a belief, perception, or portrayal and what is actually true. For example: "The company's marketing campaign painted a rosy picture that "did not reflect reality"."

What is a simple alternative to "differs from reality"?

A simple alternative is "is untrue" or "is false", but these options may lack the nuance of the original phrase, which specifies a difference rather than a complete falsehood.

How does "differs from reality" compare to "deviates from the truth"?

"Differs from reality" is broader, indicating any divergence from the actual state, whereas "deviates from the truth" specifically implies a departure from factual accuracy, often with an intention to mislead.

When is it appropriate to use "is at odds with actuality" instead of "differs from reality"?

Use "is at odds with actuality" to emphasize a conflict or contradiction between an expectation, belief, or theory and the real situation. "Differs from reality" is a more general statement of difference.