hint of reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight indication of something that is true or real, often in a context where there is a contrast with fantasy or imagination. Example: "The film had a hint of reality that made the fantastical elements more relatable to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is not a hint of reality in their promises - those breasts are never shown stuck behind a desk or pushing a trolley round the supermarket.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tapestry reveal at the end, when his subjects come to a London gallery to see what he's done, is a nice touch, adds the gentlest hint of reality TV to proceedings.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Sally (who was based on the English actor Jean Ross) as in all his characters (himself included), Isherwood teases the reader with hints of reality, while constructing a much more compelling illusion.

The Guardian - Books

The more serious TV series on cable channels or distributors like Netflix are "edgy" dramas that, in the words of the New York Times, only offer "hints of reality".

Huffington Post

If they want to deliver each season, they can't allow the very hints of reality and doubt that make relationships compelling to watch.

Huffington Post

The hint of that reality is on us right now".

The New York Times

A hint of the reality comes through in John Vachon's pictures of black workers picketing for higher pay and protesting exorbitant rents.

The New York Times - Arts

Hart humanizes him, Ferber supplies sentiment, and in "June Moon" it is clearly Ring Lardner who provides the hint of disagreeable reality that is generally absent from the other comedies.

The New Yorker

Given that Némirovsky and Epstein fled Paris for the small town of Issy-l'Évêque Issy-l'Évêque where they were the only cinizens required to wear the yellow star, why is there not the slightest hint of that reality in this Burgundyich features no Jewhered no menthey of that Nazi obsession?

The New York Times - Arts

In this case, the app is simplistic and not quite as powerful as unaugmented alternatives, but it's a hint of bigger things in augmented reality's future.

The New York Times - Tech

And it takes more than a couple of filmed backdrops to hint at the reality of our 2009 perspective.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of reality" to subtly introduce elements of truth or authenticity into otherwise fantastical or imaginative contexts. This can make the content more relatable and believable for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of reality" when the presence of reality is substantial or obvious. The phrase is most effective when the real element is subtle and understated, rather than a dominant feature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of reality" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a subtle indication or trace of something real or true, frequently in contexts contrasting reality with imagination, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hint of reality" is a phrase that effectively conveys a subtle presence of truth or authenticity, as indicated by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and versatile usage, supported by various examples, make it suitable for many contexts. The phrase serves to ground imaginative concepts, making them more relatable. While commonly found in News & Media, it's essential to avoid overuse in situations where reality is already apparent. The phrase is considered valid, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI, and its best practice involves carefully injecting believable elements into fantasy to enhance audience connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggestion of reality

Replaces "hint" with "suggestion", implying a slightly stronger indication.

trace of reality

Substitutes "hint" with "trace", suggesting a minimal or faint presence.

glimmer of reality

Uses "glimmer" instead of "hint", evoking a fleeting and faint impression.

touch of reality

Replaces "hint" with "touch", indicating a slight but perceptible element.

whiff of reality

Uses "whiff" instead of "hint", implying a brief and হালকা হালকা encounter.

shade of reality

Changes "hint" to "shade", suggesting a subtle nuance or aspect.

element of reality

Substitutes "hint" with "element", highlighting a component of actuality.

aspect of reality

Replaces "hint" with "aspect", focusing on a particular facet of truth.

sense of reality

Changes "hint" to "sense", suggesting an intuitive perception of truth.

notion of reality

Substitutes "hint" with "notion", implying a conceptual understanding of actuality.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "hint of reality" in a sentence?

Incorporate "hint of reality" when you want to suggest a subtle or understated element of truth within a fictional or exaggerated scenario. For instance, "The fantastical story had a "hint of reality" that resonated with readers".

What are some alternatives to "hint of reality"?

You can use phrases like "touch of reality", "trace of reality", or "glimmer of reality" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the nuance you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "hint of reality" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, ensure that its use aligns with the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "hint of reality" and "piece of reality"?

"Hint of reality" suggests a subtle or understated element, whereas "piece of reality" implies a more substantial or distinct component of truth. The choice depends on the degree to which reality is present or emphasized.