in real terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in real terms" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is actually experienced or observed rather than something that is theoretical or abstract. For example, "In real terms, the new regulations have made it much more difficult for small businesses to operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Salaries have stagnated in real terms.

The Economist

Salaries are rising in real terms.

The Economist

What was its aftermath in real terms?

The Guardian - Music

What does that mean in real terms?

The Guardian

In real terms, they are arguably already in one.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, I don't see that forthcoming in real terms.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words, it's a cut in real terms.

The Guardian

But in real terms how have we changed?

The Guardian

"Thereafter spending is assumed to rise again in real terms.

The Guardian

It has not been increased in real terms since 1994.

The Guardian

Labour says this budget is being cut in real terms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in real terms" to clarify that you are discussing adjusted values, especially when comparing figures across different time periods. This ensures clarity and avoids misleading interpretations caused by inflation or other economic factors.

Common error

Avoid using "in real terms" when you actually mean nominal or face value. "In real terms" indicates an adjusted value, so ensure you've accounted for inflation or other relevant factors before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in real terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that the values being discussed have been adjusted for inflation or other factors. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in real terms" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to clarify discussions about values adjusted for factors like inflation, commonly appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. To use "in real terms" effectively, ensure you are referencing adjusted values and avoid confusing it with nominal values. Alternatives include ""in practical terms"" or ""when adjusted for inflation"", depending on the context. Remember to provide accurate and meaningful comparisons in economic or financial discussions. When the need is to highlight the real effects of something in different areas you might find good alternatives in "in realistic terms", "in concrete terms" or "in factual terms".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in practical terms

Focuses on the practical implications or effects of something.

in actual value

Emphasizes the true worth or cost, adjusted for external factors.

when adjusted for inflation

Specifically mentions the adjustment for inflation to reflect purchasing power.

in constant dollars

Refers to expressing monetary values in terms of a base year to remove the effect of inflation.

in today's money

Highlights the equivalent value in current monetary terms.

taking inflation into account

Explicitly states that inflation is being considered in the evaluation.

in real economic terms

Adds an emphasis on the economic perspective when considering real value.

effectively speaking

Describes the actual effect or outcome, simplifying the explanation.

as a matter of fact

Highlights the factual reality or concrete situation.

if we're being honest

Introduces a frank assessment of the genuine implications.

FAQs

How do you use "in real terms" in a sentence?

Use "in real terms" to specify that you're referring to values adjusted for inflation or other economic factors. For example, "Although the budget increased nominally, it actually decreased "in real terms" due to inflation."

What's the difference between "in real terms" and "in nominal terms"?

"In nominal terms" refers to the face value or stated value of something, without adjusting for inflation. "In real terms" refers to the value after adjusting for inflation, showing the actual purchasing power or value. For instance, a salary increase "in nominal terms" may not be an increase "in real terms" if inflation is higher.

What can I say instead of "in real terms"?

Alternatives include "in practical terms", "in actual value", or "when adjusted for inflation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in real terms"?

It's appropriate to use "in real terms" when you want to emphasize that you are discussing figures that have been adjusted to remove the effects of inflation or other distortions, providing a more accurate comparison of economic values over time.