dream come true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dream come true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something that once seemed impossible or unlikely becomes reality. For example: "Winning the lottery was a dream come true for the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's a dream come true.

The New York Times

(Hollywood's dream come true).

The New York Times

A dream come true, right?

The Washington Post

It is absolutely a dream come true.

The New York Times - Sports

"It'd be a dream come true.

The New York Times - Sports

"A dream come true," Giraldo said.

The New York Times - Sports

A dream come true," he said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A dream comes true.

The New York Times

And the dream came true.

The New Yorker

Today, her dream comes true.

The New York Times

"Finally, my dream came true.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dream come true" to express genuine emotion and highlight the significance of an achievement or experience. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

While "dream come true" is a powerful expression, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing seem less sincere. Consider using synonyms or alternative phrasings to add variety and maintain the phrase's emotional punch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dream come true" functions primarily as a noun phrase or a predicate nominative. It describes something that has been long desired and has finally been realized, as Ludwig shows in its examples. It essentially names or identifies a state or achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dream come true" is a common and correct expression used to describe the realization of a long-held aspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts. While "dream come true" is most frequently found in news and media, it's also present in formal business settings and even science-related content. When writing, it's advisable to avoid overusing this expression, opting for alternatives like ""wish fulfilled"" or ""aspiration realized"" to maintain a sense of sincerity and to prevent the impact from waning. Ultimately, "dream come true" remains a potent way to convey joy and accomplishment in a wide range of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish fulfilled

Focuses on the act of a wish being granted.

desire realized

Directly states the realization of a desire.

goal attained

Simple and direct, focusing on reaching a specific objective.

aspiration realized

Highlights the achievement of a goal one has worked towards.

fondest hope realized

Highlights the realization of a particularly cherished desire.

ambition achieved

Emphasizes the successful attainment of a significant ambition.

hope materialized

Focuses on the transformation of a hope into a tangible reality.

long-cherished ambition fulfilled

Emphasizes the duration and importance of the ambition.

ultimate success

Focuses on achieving the highest level of success.

answered prayer

Implies divine intervention or a deeply personal and spiritual desire being fulfilled.

FAQs

How can I use "dream come true" in a sentence?

You can use "dream come true" to describe a situation that represents the realization of a long-held aspiration. For example, "Performing on Broadway was a "dream come true" for her."

What are some alternatives to "dream come true"?

Alternatives include "wish fulfilled", "aspiration realized", or "goal attained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dream come true" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider the tone of your formal writing. In highly formal contexts, a more understated phrase like "aspiration realized" may be preferable. However, "dream come true" is acceptable if the situation warrants a more emphatic expression.

What's the difference between "dream come true" and "wish fulfillment"?

"Dream come true" typically refers to a specific, significant achievement or event, while "wish fulfillment" is a broader psychological concept referring to the satisfaction of desires, often in a more general or symbolic sense. A "dream come true" is a concrete realization; "wish fulfillment" is a more abstract process.