glimpse of reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"glimpse of reality" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means a brief or fleeting view or understanding of what is truly happening or real. Example: The documentary provided a rare glimpse of reality for those living in poverty-stricken areas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This is a really amazing place that gives you a glimpse of reality.

The New York Times

It was 4.19percentt, a glimpse of reality in mutual fund Fantasia.

The New York Times

A glimpse of reality is all we are ever likely to see, and the most intelligent sci-fi film-makers know that will be more than enough to sate our appetites.

The Guardian - Film

If photographs seemed to offer a better and more prolonged glimpse of reality, they also planted a doubt about the human ability to grasp reality and even the definition of reality.

The New York Times - Arts

That panics people by... well, perhaps by giving them a glimpse of reality.

HuffPost

Here's a mild video from PETA giving us a glimpse of reality that we ignore.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

These hints of "scenery" are like windows in the hyperbole: they are glimpses of reality.

The Guardian - Books

Like the sounds in "Chatting" these glimpses of reality are a relief from the overwrought Gothic romance of Ms. Lin's sculptures.

The New York Times - Arts

While we are fortunate to have a number of engaged, intelligent Iranian journalists and commentators to follow as events unfold in Iran, readers are advised to remember that what we are getting, at best, are glimpses of reality and anecdotal evidence gathered from a small number of sources with access to the Web or foreign correspondents.

The New York Times

The high Victorian Age saw much narrative painting, a genre that was practiced with accurate and sympathetic observation, from the panoramic activity of William Powell Frith's "Derby Day" (1858; Tate Gallery) to such intimate glimpses of reality as "The Travelling Companions" (1862; City Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham), by Augustus Egg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Asked whether that entails a kind of mysticism, d'Espagnat responds that "science isn't everything" and that we are already accustomed to the idea that "when we hear beautiful music, or see paintings, or read poetry, [we get] a faint glimpse of a reality that underlies empirical reality".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of reality" when you want to convey a brief or incomplete understanding of a situation, suggesting that the full picture is much larger or more complex.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of reality" when you actually have a comprehensive understanding. This phrase implies a partial view, so don't use it if you possess complete knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of reality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a fleeting or incomplete perception of a situation, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glimpse of reality" is a noun phrase signifying a brief or incomplete understanding of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and informal contexts. While most common in News & Media, the phrase can also be found in business and academic settings. The phrase provides a nuanced way to suggest that there is more to the full picture than meets the eye. When using "glimpse of reality", ensure that you’re accurately conveying the idea of a partial understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting insight into reality

Replaces 'glimpse' with 'fleeting insight', emphasizing the transient nature of the understanding.

brief look at the truth

Substitutes 'reality' with 'truth', focusing on the accuracy of the perception and using a more direct synonym of 'glimpse'.

quick view of what's real

Rephrases the sentence to simplify and focus on the authenticity of the perception using 'quick view'.

passing acquaintance with reality

Emphasizes the superficial and brief nature of the understanding, implying a lack of deep knowledge.

momentary exposure to reality

Highlights the limited duration of the experience or understanding.

transient understanding of the real world

Focuses on the fleeting nature and real world application.

superficial acquaintance with fact

Highlights the lack of in-depth knowledge and emphasizes objective truth rather than general reality.

brief encounter with actuality

Emphasizes the unexpected and short-lived nature of experiencing what is actually happening.

cursory knowledge of reality

Indicates a lack of thoroughness and depth in the understanding.

snapshot of the real world

Uses a visual metaphor to indicate a partial view.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of reality" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of reality" to describe a brief understanding or brief view of a situation. For example, "The documentary offered a "glimpse of reality" for those unaware of the challenges faced by refugees."

What's a good alternative to "glimpse of reality"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "fleeting insight into reality" or "brief look at the truth" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "glimpse of reality" in formal writing?

Yes, "glimpse of reality" is appropriate for formal writing. The phrase is widely used in journalism, academic papers, and business reports.

What is the difference between "glimpse of reality" and "full understanding of reality"?

"Glimpse of reality" implies a partial or incomplete understanding, whereas "full understanding of reality" suggests a comprehensive and thorough grasp of the situation.