it should be realistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be realistic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing expectations or requirements that need to be practical or achievable. Example: "In designing the project, it should be realistic to ensure that we can meet our deadlines and budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It should be realistic.

The New York Times

While the administration should not abandon efforts to pursue promising missile defense technologies, it should be realistic about the role missile defenses can play.

The New York Times

At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach.

Huffington Post

It should be realistic, though.

WikiHow

It should be realistic but instill a sense of purpose while having a leading edge toward tomorrow's vision.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I don't know if it's inevitable, but we should be realistic.

The Guardian - Sport

It means only that we should be realistic about what can be accomplished there.

The New Yorker

In theory you could get thrown out, just like in theory in OGP if you have two bad reports you could get thrown out but I think we should be realistic it's not going to happen.

The Guardian

Mr Britton said people should be realistic about the appointment: "Clearly it isn't impossible to find a Bishop of Blackburn and we shall find one who will do well here and become loved by the people of the area.

BBC

"But we should be realistic about the lessons of history: It can change back very quickly, as President Obama learned between 2008 and 2010.

The New York Times

The West should be realistic about Arab prospects, while encouraging reform even as it is resisted in Syria and elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, ensure they align with available resources and capabilities. This ensures that "it should be realistic", increasing the likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about future capabilities without proper evaluation. Underestimating challenges can make it seem like "it should be realistic" when it is not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be realistic" functions as a qualifier or modifier, expressing a necessary characteristic of a plan, goal, or expectation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should be realistic" is grammatically sound and serves to emphasize the need for practicality and feasibility in plans and expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appropriate across a range of contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media sources. While not overly common, its message of grounding ambitions in reality is clear and valuable. Remember to balance optimism with a pragmatic assessment of available resources when using this phrase. As showed by Ludwig, some alternatives are "it needs to be achievable", "it has to be practical", or "it must be viable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be achievable

Emphasizes the attainability or feasibility of a goal or plan.

it has to be practical

Highlights the importance of being grounded and focusing on what's workable.

it must be viable

Stresses the capacity to function effectively and sustainably.

it should be attainable

Focuses on the possibility of reaching a specific goal or outcome.

it ought to be feasible

Implies that something is capable of being done or accomplished.

it should be down-to-earth

Indicates an approach that's sensible and avoids being overly ambitious.

it has to be grounded in reality

Highlights the importance of aligning plans with actual circumstances.

it must be pragmatic

Suggests focusing on solutions that are effective even if they are not ideal.

it has to be within reason

Implies that expectations or demands need to be fair and justifiable.

it should not be overambitious

Warns against setting goals that are too difficult or unrealistic to achieve.

FAQs

How can I use "it should be realistic" in a sentence?

You can use "it should be realistic" when setting goals or planning projects, to emphasize the importance of practicality and attainability. For instance, you might say, "When designing the budget, "it should be realistic" to ensure we can meet our financial targets".

What are some alternatives to "it should be realistic"?

Alternatives include "it needs to be achievable", "it has to be practical", or "it must be viable". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it should be realistic" and "it should be possible"?

"It should be possible" indicates something is merely capable of happening, while "it should be realistic" implies a higher degree of feasibility and practicality, taking into account available resources and limitations. Something possible might not be realistic given current constraints.

In what contexts is "it should be realistic" most appropriate?

"It should be realistic" is particularly appropriate in professional, academic, or planning contexts where setting achievable goals and managing expectations are essential. It's commonly used in business planning, project management, and personal goal setting to ensure plans are grounded in reality.