embracing reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"embracing reality" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means accepting and dealing with the truth or actuality of a situation. Example: After years of living in denial, she finally started embracing reality and faced the consequences of her actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"On account of Buddhism's emphasis on rational thinking, the Tibetans are capable of embracing reality by accepting some of the de facto situation on the ground," added Lodi Gyari, the Dalai Lama's envoy to talks with China.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I just really believe we need to embrace reality.

The New Yorker

He brushed off accusations of selling out when he advertised Country Life butter and embraced reality TV with a stint on I'm a Celebrity.

Independent

The digital age may be a new phenomenon, but philosophers have long speculated about the human inability to embrace reality as it is.

The Guardian

It is not surprising that a culture that embraces reality TV shows, which find drama in rejection, would find entertainment in rating others and seeing how they fare.

The New York Times - Tech

NBC, which has embraced reality perhaps more ardently than its competitors, is even planning a prime-time reality special for May 11 that is being developed by and for an advertiser, Teleflora.

The New York Times

As we embrace reality in the present, those fond prospects fragment into a bewildering and promiscuous array, which in turn is transformed by retrospect into a stable but now quite different pattern.

The New York Times - Books

But I realized at that point if I don't embrace reality that there's a chance if baseball doesn't work out I'll never be a happy person.

The Guardian - Sport

So Labour has persuaded itself that, now that it cannot prevent a referendum bill from passing – the cross-party House of Lords may take a different view – it should embrace reality and "give the British people a say".

The Guardian

The day after Trump won the 2016 election, the editors of the journal Nature wrote that, as incoming President, he "should leave behind his damaging and unpopular attitudes and embrace reality, rationality and evidence".

The New Yorker

Stepping out into a drizzly, grey east coast evening, your columnist embraced reality and shivered.As separatist euphoria sweeps Scotland, it seems that such theories have swayed a country that is, for the most part, cautiously conservative as your columnist observed this week in Dundee.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embracing reality" when you want to convey a sense of active acceptance and positive adaptation to a situation, rather than simple acknowledgement.

Common error

Avoid using "embracing reality" when you simply mean acknowledging a fact. This phrase implies a proactive and adaptive response, not just passive recognition.

Linguistic Context

Embracing reality functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embracing reality" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that signifies actively accepting and adapting to a situation. Ludwig indicates that it's found in diverse contexts, primarily news and media, science, and formal business settings. While it's crucial to use it when you want to convey proactive acceptance rather than simple acknowledgement. Remember to distinguish it from merely "accepting reality", which lacks the implication of action. Alternatives include "accepting the facts" and "facing the facts".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepting the facts

Focuses on acknowledging the truth without necessarily implying active engagement or adaptation.

acknowledging the truth

Emphasizes the recognition of what is true, possibly without embracing the consequences.

facing the facts

Highlights confrontation with possibly unpleasant or difficult truths.

coming to terms with reality

Suggests a process of emotional and intellectual adjustment to a situation.

grappling with reality

Indicates a struggle or effort to understand and accept challenging circumstances.

getting real

An informal idiom emphasizing the need to be practical and face facts.

waking up to reality

Implies a sudden realization or understanding of the true situation.

being pragmatic

Focuses on practical considerations and actions based on real-world conditions.

seeing things as they are

Highlights objectivity and clear perception without emotional distortion.

adjusting to circumstances

Emphasizes adapting one's behavior or approach to fit the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "embracing reality" in a sentence?

You can use "embracing reality" to describe actively accepting and adapting to a given situation, such as "After facing numerous setbacks, the company started "embracing reality" and restructured its operations".

What's the difference between "embracing reality" and "accepting reality"?

"Embracing reality" implies a proactive and adaptive approach, while "accepting reality" simply suggests acknowledging the truth, often without taking action.

What can I say instead of "embracing reality"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "accepting the facts", "acknowledging the truth", or "facing the facts".

Is "embracing reality" formal or informal language?

"Embracing reality" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often seen in news, media, and business environments, suggesting a neutral register.