is a reality check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a reality check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or statement that serves to remind someone of the true state of affairs, often in a sobering or clarifying way. Example: "After hearing the news about the project's budget cuts, it was a reality check for the entire team about the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This is a reality check.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a reality check.

The Guardian - Opinion

The poll is a reality check.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Meadowbrook is a reality check for me," she said.

The New York Times

One of the most important things I can offer them is a reality check.

The New York Times

The fresh mint is a reality check in what could otherwise be a lemonade.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"This was a reality check".

The New York Times - Sports

And it's a reality check.

The New York Times

There will be a reality check soon.

Independent

There needs to be a reality check".

The New York Times - Sports

It was a reality check for me".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a reality check" to introduce an element of grounded assessment to a discussion that might be drifting into idealism or unrealistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "is a reality check" to dismiss someone's legitimate worries or feelings. Instead, use it to offer a balanced perspective while acknowledging their concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a reality check" functions as a predicative expression, offering an assessment of a situation. It serves to ground perceptions in tangible facts, as seen in Ludwig examples where events serve as a grounding force.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a reality check" is a phrase used to bring awareness to the actual state of affairs, often tempering unrealistic expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to provide clarity and objectivity, promoting a realistic understanding. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully to avoid dismissing valid concerns. Common alternatives include "is a wake-up call" and "is a sobering reminder", each with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a dose of reality

Directly refers to the experience of facing the truth.

is a wake-up call

Focuses more on the sudden realization and need for change.

is a cold hard fact

Emphasizes the undeniable and often unwelcome nature of the information.

is a sobering reminder

Emphasizes the serious and thought-provoking aspect of the situation.

is an eye-opener

Highlights the revealing and enlightening nature of the experience.

is a moment of truth

Highlights the critical and decisive aspect of the realization.

is a harsh truth

Highlights the unpleasant aspect of the realization.

is a necessary perspective

Stresses the importance of gaining a realistic viewpoint.

is a practical assessment

Stresses the practical and evaluative aspect of understanding the situation.

is a fact of life

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is a reality check" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a reality check" is used to describe a situation or piece of information that brings someone back to a realistic perspective. For example, "The project's failure "is a reality check" for our ambitious goals".

What are some alternatives to "is a reality check"?

You can use alternatives like "is a wake-up call", "is a sobering reminder", or "is a dose of reality" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is a reality check"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a moment of realization or when someone needs to face the truth about a situation, especially after a period of optimism or unrealistic expectations.

What's the difference between "is a wake-up call" and "is a reality check"?

"Is a wake-up call" often implies a sudden and urgent need for change, while "is a reality check" is a broader term for gaining a realistic perspective, which may or may not lead to immediate action.