in real time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in real time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is happening or taking place without any delay. For example: "We are monitoring the situation in real time to quickly intervene if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not in real time.

Independent

In real time.

The New York Times

"Lolita" in real time.

The New Yorker

"They happen in real time".

The New York Times

The inControl alerts happen in real time.

The New York Times

You are doing placement in real time".

The New York Times - Sports

"24" takes place in real time.

The New York Times

The edits appear magically in real time.

The New York Times - Tech

It was all done in real time".

Independent

We followed him forensically in real time.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was happening in real time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events unfolding as they happen, "in real time" adds a sense of immediacy and urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "in real time" unnecessarily. Sometimes, simpler adverbs like "immediately" or "instantly" can be more effective and less redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in real time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the timing of an action or process. Ludwig examples show it describing data analysis, event monitoring and reactions to happenings as they occur with no delay. It specifies when something happens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in real time" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something is happening without delay. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, but it also appears in academic, formal and business contexts. When using "in real time", make sure it effectively communicates the immediacy of an action or process and avoid overuse. Consider using synonyms like "immediately" or "instantaneously" for variety. Its widespread use across various authoritative sources underscores its acceptability in a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it happens

Highlights that something unfolds concurrently.

without delay

Emphasizes the absence of waiting or postponement.

as things unfold

Focuses on the continuous process of events.

instantaneously

Single word emphasizing immediate action.

immediately

Focuses on promptness of action.

at once

Highlights the simultaneity of events.

live

Commonly used in broadcasting to indicate immediacy.

at the same time

Highlights events occurring simultaneously.

on the spot

Emphasizes immediate action at a location.

concurrently

Highlights simultaneous occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "in real time" in a sentence?

"In real time" is used to describe processes that occur instantaneously or without significant delay. For example, "The data is analyzed "as things unfold", allowing for immediate adjustments.".

What are some alternatives to "in real time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "immediately", "instantaneously", or "concurrently".

Is it redundant to say "real time"?

While "real time" alone can sometimes suffice, "in real time" often provides emphasis, especially when contrasting with delayed or processed information. It highlights that the action or event occurs "without delay".

What's the difference between "in real time" and "live"?

"Live" typically refers to events being broadcast or experienced as they happen, particularly in media contexts. "In real time" is a broader term applicable to any process occurring "as it happens", not just those publicly broadcast.