however in reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"however in reality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way to contrast two ideas, facts, or opinions. For example, "Many people believe that happiness lies in money and possessions; however in reality, true happiness comes from inner peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in reality they're anything but.

The Guardian

However, in reality they're required by law.

The Guardian

"However, in reality, the situation is significantly more complex".

The New York Times - Health

However, in reality this is not always true.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

However, in reality, humans find software defects in various activities.

Information and Software Technology

However, in reality, there are discontinuities of displacements across the interfaces.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

However, in reality, the number of Arctic transits remains meagre compared with major shipping routes.

Journal of Transport Geography

However, in reality, in the real world, the grim trigger might have some disadvantages.

Yale University

However, in reality, very few Gypsies and Travellers commit crime and anti-social behaviour," she said.

The Guardian

However, in reality, this hypothetical national labor market rarely exists.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

However, in reality, the distribution of misinformation is unknown beforehand.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however in reality" to introduce a fact that contrasts with a common assumption or expectation. It adds emphasis to the discrepancy.

Common error

Avoid using "however in reality" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive. Consider using alternatives like "in actuality" or "the truth is" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however in reality" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to express a contrast between a stated or implied expectation and the actual situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid way to introduce a contrasting fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "however in reality" serves to introduce a contrast between expectation and actuality. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and general usability. Its function is to correct a common assumption and clarify the situation by contrasting it with what is expected. This phrase is used frequently across scientific, news, and academic domains. For more concise phrasing, alternatives like "in reality" or "actually" may be used, but it is best to avoid overusing the phrase in one document, to allow for a more natural flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but in reality

A close synonym, simply using 'but' for added emphasis on the contrast.

in reality

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same contrast between appearance and actuality.

the reality is

Directly states that what follows is the true state of affairs, often differing from what was previously assumed.

in actual fact

This phrase emphasizes the truth or reality of a situation, often contrasting with a previous statement or belief.

as a matter of fact

Similar to "in actual fact", this phrase underscores the factual nature of a statement, often correcting a misunderstanding.

the truth is

This phrase introduces a statement of truth, often revealing something unexpected or contrary to popular belief.

in practice

This phrase contrasts with theory or expectation, highlighting how things actually work in real-world situations.

actually

A single word alternative that introduces a fact that contrasts with what was previously said or thought.

in effect

Highlights the real consequence or outcome of a situation, sometimes differing from the intended result.

when you get down to it

This idiom points to the fundamental reality of a situation, often after stripping away superficial details.

FAQs

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

"However in reality" is used to introduce a statement that contradicts a previous assumption or expectation. For example, "Many people believe that success guarantees happiness; however in reality, personal fulfillment is often more important."

What's a simpler way to say "however in reality"?

You can use alternatives such as "in reality", "actually", or "in fact" to convey a similar meaning with fewer words.

Is it redundant to say "however, in reality"?

While not strictly redundant, the "however" is often unnecessary since "in reality" already signals a contrast. Using just "in reality" can often be more concise and impactful.

What is the difference between "however in reality" and "in theory"?

"However in reality" introduces what actually happens, often differing from expectations. "In theory" presents a hypothetical or ideal scenario, whereas "however in reality" describes what occurs in practice, often highlighting the difference between the two.