is not real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not real" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something does not exist or is fictional. Example: "The character in the story is not real, but the emotions they evoke are very much genuine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is not real life".

The New York Times

' Well, Superman is not real.

The New Yorker

Anything less is not real reform.

The New York Times

Frau Mueller is not real (we think).

The Economist

But poetic justice is not real justice.

The Economist

"This is not real rent reform.

The New York Times

"That is not real friendship".

The New York Times - Arts

It is not real change".

The Guardian

Roland, however, is not real.

The New York Times - Arts

And he is not real.

The Guardian

This is not real, he thinks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is not real", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what aspect is unreal to prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying "the solution is not real", clarify by stating "the proposed solution is not a real solution to the underlying problem".

Common error

While "is not real" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "is inaccurate", "is unsubstantiated", or "is fallacious" to maintain a professional tone and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not real" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as lacking authenticity or truth. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from denying the existence of fictional characters to questioning the validity of abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not real" is a common and versatile expression used to negate the reality or genuineness of something. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, media, and informal contexts, while more formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives like "is not genuine" or "does not exist". While grammatically correct, context is key to its effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not authentic

Replaces "real" with "authentic", focusing on the genuineness of something.

is not genuine

Similar to "is not authentic", it emphasizes the lack of true origin or quality.

is not true

A more direct way to state that something is false or incorrect.

is not factual

Highlights that something lacks a basis in fact or evidence.

is imaginary

Indicates something exists only in the imagination.

is fictitious

Similar to "is imaginary", suggesting something is a product of fiction.

is artificial

Implies something is man-made or not naturally occurring.

is simulated

Suggests something is created to imitate reality.

is illusory

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of something, appearing real but not so.

is nonexistent

States that something does not exist at all.

FAQs

How can I use "is not real" in a sentence?

You can use "is not real" to indicate that something does not exist, is fake, or is imaginary. For example, "The threat is not real, it's just a scare tactic" or "Virtual money "is not real", so be careful when spending it".

What are some alternatives to "is not real"?

Some alternatives include "is not genuine", "is not true", "is imaginary", or "is fictitious", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not real" or "does not exist"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "does not exist" might be more appropriate in formal or scientific contexts. "Is not real" can sometimes imply a judgment about authenticity or truth, whereas "does not exist" simply states a lack of existence.

What is the difference between "is not real" and "is surreal"?

"Is not real" means something does not exist or is fake. "Is surreal" describes something that has a bizarre, dreamlike quality, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it "is not real". Something can be real and surreal at the same time.