in realistic terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in realistic terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an event or situation that is likely to take place or be true in reality, as opposed to a theoretical or hypothetical scenario. For example, "In realistic terms, we need to start preparing for the long winter months now if we want to be adequately prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

-- that aren't answerable in realistic terms.

The New York Times - Books

Instead Ms. Young presents the body in realistic terms.

The New York Times - Arts

The Barbizon artists painted landscape in realistic terms and for its own sake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hero has some hopes, in the form of three women; his relationships with them, too, are cast in realistic terms.

The New Yorker

The attempt to re-create Hitler in realistic terms has always been morally and imaginatively questionable, a compromise with the unspeakable, and it still is.

The New Yorker

That discovery will require us to set aside our expectations that Civil War literature should tell us in realistic terms about the devastations of the war.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It makes us think in more realistic terms about how mass murder operates and how it relies on people like us.

The New Yorker

It is merely a plea to start viewing the defence budget in more realistic terms, where proposed cuts, or small increases, are not viewed as doomsday scenarios.

The Economist

In more realistic terms, private control of land allows private control of what happens on that land.

SEP

In more realistic terms, sequence stratigraphy establishes the analysis of cyclic sedimentation patterns that are present in stratigraphic successions as they develop in response to various variations in sediment supply and accommodation (Posamentier and Allen 1999).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Now, it's important to point out that so far, I've discussed this matter in fairly realistic terms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in realistic terms", ensure you're grounding your analysis or proposal in verifiable facts and achievable outcomes to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "in realistic terms" as a preface to overly optimistic or speculative statements. Ensure that the subsequent claims are truly grounded in feasible conditions and avoid hypothetical scenarios that lack concrete support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in realistic terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement is being made from a practical, achievable, and fact-based perspective. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in realistic terms" serves as an adverbial phrase that introduces a grounded, practical perspective to a discussion. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its purpose is to shift the focus toward achievable outcomes and verifiable facts, tempering overly optimistic or theoretical viewpoints. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using it, ensure your analysis is rooted in reality and feasibility, rather than speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically speaking

Focuses on the practical aspect of a situation, emphasizing real-world application.

in practical terms

Emphasizes the tangible and actionable elements of a scenario, rather than theoretical considerations.

from a practical perspective

Highlights a viewpoint centered on what is achievable and effective in reality.

in real-world scenarios

Shifts the focus to actual situations and contexts.

in concrete terms

Emphasizes specificity and tangibility.

realistically

Single-word adverb conveying a focus on what is achievable or likely.

in a down-to-earth manner

Highlights an approach that is practical and without pretense.

considering the realities

Directly references the actual circumstances and limitations.

in light of reality

Emphasizes how current conditions affect an issue.

factually speaking

Focuses on verifiable facts and evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "in realistic terms" in a sentence?

Use "in realistic terms" to introduce a perspective that focuses on practical considerations, such as, "In realistic terms, achieving a 20% increase in sales this quarter is unlikely."

What are some alternatives to "in realistic terms"?

You can use alternatives like "practically speaking", "in practical terms", or "from a practical perspective" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "in realistic terms" and "in theory"?

"In realistic terms" emphasizes achievable outcomes and practical constraints, while "in theory" focuses on idealized or hypothetical conditions that may not be applicable in real-world scenarios.

When is it appropriate to use "in realistic terms" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "in realistic terms" when you want to steer the discussion towards feasible and achievable aspects, especially when countering overly optimistic or speculative ideas. Ensure that what follows is genuinely grounded in verifiable facts and achievable outcomes.