is not grounded in reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not grounded in reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief, idea, or statement that lacks a basis in fact or truth. Example: "His claims about the existence of unicorns are not grounded in reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He displays what, in the psychiatric field, is referred to as grandiosity: a sense of superiority revealed by the way that he speaks about himself and views his transgressive behavior which is not grounded in reality.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, the EFSA Panel's split-level model with its sudden drop in deposition values at the field edge (distance 0 m) is not grounded in reality.

Environmental Sciences Europe

It is not grounded in reality.

Huffington Post

That suggestion is not grounded in reality.

Huffington Post

"The idea that you would think otherwise is not grounded in reality".

Huffington Post

"The idea that you would think otherwise is not grounded in reality," he said of Carson, a neurosurgeon who is also vying for the GOP nomination.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is the task of the Mādhyamika philosopher to expose those presuppositions as untenable, to see that language is not grounded in realities but is purely conventional in nature.

SEP

The subject had come up when it was mentioned to Ms. Arnold that a letter published in the British cinema magazine Sight & Sound had ridiculed the notion that she belongs in the same company as Mr. Loach, and went on to claim that "Fish Tank" "offers little insight into social relations, precisely because it isn't grounded in reality".

The New York Times

"She often thinks it's a different year or place and isn't grounded in reality," Calvert explained.

Huffington Post

"Cisco had this idea that they wanted to be in the consumer's home network, but they had a grand vision that was not grounded in reality".

The New York Times - Tech

"Lute found Holbrooke too much of a block on creative thinking, while Holbrooke thought Lute's ideas were not grounded in reality," one source said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not grounded in reality" to critique arguments, plans, or beliefs that are based on unrealistic assumptions or a misunderstanding of the situation. For example, "The company's expansion plan is not grounded in reality due to the lack of market research."

Common error

Avoid using "is not grounded in reality" merely to express disagreement with someone's opinion. Instead, reserve it for situations where you can objectively demonstrate a lack of factual basis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not grounded in reality" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject (an idea, plan, belief, etc.) as lacking a connection to facts or real-world considerations. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to critique or dismiss something as unrealistic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not grounded in reality" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that serves to critique ideas or plans lacking factual basis or practical consideration. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, and examples demonstrate its presence across news, scientific, and general informational contexts. Alternatives include "lacks a basis in reality" or "is unrealistic", offering nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. When using this phrase, ensure it is applied objectively and supported by evidence, rather than simply expressing subjective disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks a basis in reality

This alternative focuses on the absence of a real foundation or support.

is not based on facts

This directly states that something lacks a factual foundation.

is detached from reality

This highlights a separation or disconnection from the real world.

is divorced from reality

This emphasizes a complete separation and lack of connection.

is detached from the facts

This alternative directly points out the lack of connection with factual information.

is unrealistic

A more concise way of saying that something doesn't align with what is possible or likely.

is fanciful

Implies that something is based on imagination rather than facts.

is purely theoretical

This indicates that something exists only in theory and has not been proven or tested in the real world.

is a flight of fancy

This idiom suggests that something is an imaginative idea with no basis in reality.

is a pipe dream

Suggests an unrealistic or unattainable wish or plan.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not grounded in reality" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "lacks a basis in reality", "is detached from reality", or "is not based on facts". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated vocabulary.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not grounded in reality"?

This phrase is appropriate when describing ideas, plans, or beliefs that demonstrably lack a factual basis or are based on unrealistic assumptions. It's useful when critiquing arguments or proposals that are disconnected from practical considerations.

What's the difference between "is not grounded in reality" and "is unrealistic"?

While both phrases suggest a disconnect from what is possible or likely, "is not grounded in reality" implies a lack of factual basis, while "is unrealistic" focuses more on the improbability or impracticality of something. The former is a stronger statement.

What are some examples of when a belief might be "not grounded in reality"?

Examples include believing in conspiracy theories despite a lack of evidence, making business plans based on overly optimistic market projections without research, or assuming that a political policy will have certain effects without considering historical data or expert opinions.