dream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing aspirations, hopes, or experiences during sleep. Example: "Ever since I was a child, my dream has been to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My dream is to become one of the best sprinters in the world but I don't see how that can happen now.

The Guardian

Dream on.

The New York Times - Arts

Back then, it was still widely supposed that every girl's dream was to marry a handsome prince and live happily ever after in a Tyrolean castle attended upon by mice and dressed each morning by bluebirds.

The Guardian - Film

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

A sign of success and popularity those anonymous Stereo Kicks members can only dream about.

The Guardian - Music

Billy Elliot winningly forsook his mining heritage to pursue a post-industrial career in ballet, pirouetting past the picketlines, but his dream was ultimately embraced by the community, whose whip-round gets him to the big London audition.

The Guardian - Film

But the problem for the likes of Bably and Madbouly is that there are also those who doubt this particular dream will ever reach reality.

The Guardian

Every Mexican, every Hispanic that crosses the border, they want the American dream.

The Guardian

What of the fate of the liberal-democratic capitalist European dream in Ukraine?

The Guardian

"That is every guy's dream in football – to play at the top level," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Twelve years ago, he left to go to Europe to fulfil a dream.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing unrealistic aspirations, consider using "pipe dream" for added emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "dream" interchangeably with concrete plans. A "dream" is often aspirational or imagined, whereas a plan is a tangible strategy.

Linguistic Context

The word "dream" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to imaginary events during sleep, or a hope or aspiration. As a verb, it means to experience imaginary events while sleeping, or to hope and wish, as Ludwig explains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

15%

Music

10%

Less common in

Film

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dream" is a versatile term used to describe both nocturnal experiences and cherished aspirations. Ludwig's analysis confirms that "dream" is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When writing, remember that a "dream" is often aspirational, not necessarily a concrete plan. For unrealistic aspirations, "pipe dream" may be more appropriate. Always ensure the intended meaning aligns with the context, as Ludwig AI explains, showcasing the phrase's widespread and varied applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiration

Focuses on ambition and long-term goals.

ambition

Highlights a strong desire for achievement and success.

goal

Emphasizes a specific target or objective to be achieved.

hope

Implies a feeling of optimism and expectation for a desired outcome.

fantasy

Suggests an imagined scenario, often unrealistic or whimsical.

vision

Indicates a mental image or concept of the future.

daydream

Refers to a pleasant, idle fantasy or wish.

pipe dream

Denotes an unrealistic or unattainable hope or plan.

reverie

Highlights a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts.

illusion

Emphasizes a deceptive appearance or false belief.

FAQs

How can I use "dream" in a sentence?

You can use "dream" as a noun, referring to aspirations or visions, or as a verb, meaning to hope or imagine. For example, "My "dream" is to become a successful writer" or "I "dream" of traveling the world."

What can I say instead of "dream" when referring to a goal?

You can use alternatives like "aspiration", "ambition", or "goal" depending on the context. "Aspiration" emphasizes a long-term hope, while "ambition" highlights a strong desire for achievement and "goal" denotes a specific target.

What's the difference between "dream" and "daydream"?

"Dream" generally refers to experiences during sleep or deeply held aspirations. "Daydream", on the other hand, refers to pleasant, idle fantasies while awake.

When is it appropriate to use "pipe dream" instead of "dream"?

Use "pipe dream" when referring to a hope or plan that is highly unrealistic or unattainable. It implies a sense of impracticality or wishful thinking.