less than real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is perceived as not fully authentic or genuine, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense. Example: "The virtual reality experience felt less than real, leaving me questioning the authenticity of the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Yet Vishnu never seems less than real.

The New York Times

Blanche feels less than real most of the time.

The New Yorker

"To try to make that less than real is a huge mistake".

The New York Times

We get just enough to render them more than mere caricatures but something less than real people.

The New York Times - Books

To complain of thrillers, or romances, that they are less than real is to invite several counter-charges.

The New Yorker

He said he wanted Mr. Obama to "be bold, be strong, accepting nothing less than real accountability".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The information is less-than real time, there are frequent errors, there's no currency translations or advanced tools for companies listed overseas.

TechCrunch

These are controversies that might engulf a public company were he the real CEO of, but they are of much less consequence for a less-than-real CEO.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they're generally fiddly to use and don't really do much more than show another less-than-real perspective on the scene you're trying to understand.

TechCrunch

Brod, known for his work in masculinity studies, shows not just the Jewish-comic connection, but the ways "The Jewish men who created supermen were men who were themselves seen as not measuring up to the standards of what real men were supposed to be.... Less-than-real men creating supermen".

Huffington Post

Recent comparisons of techniques show that detection in the compressed domain can be done in less than real-time, while others require much more computational time [18].

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotions or experiences, use "less than real" to convey a sense of detachment or unreality. This can add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "less than real" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and objective language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than real" typically functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns by describing them as deficient in authenticity or genuine qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than real" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to describe something lacking in authenticity or genuine qualities. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. It is prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the subtle differences between it and its alternatives, such as ""somewhat unreal"" or "not entirely authentic", to ensure your writing conveys the precise meaning intended. It also is important to avoid overuse in formal context, but it's generally acceptable across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unreal

Emphasizes a partial departure from reality.

not entirely authentic

Focuses on the lack of complete genuineness.

slightly artificial

Highlights the presence of imitation or contrivance.

pseudo-real

Indicates a deceptive or false appearance of reality.

virtually real

Suggests a reality experienced through virtual means.

not quite genuine

Expresses a subtle deficiency in authenticity.

almost fictitious

Implies a close resemblance to something made up.

in some ways simulated

Points out the presence of simulation or imitation.

approaching unreality

Conveys a movement toward a state of being unreal.

not wholly substantial

Emphasizes a lack of tangibility or concreteness.

FAQs

How can I use "less than real" in a sentence?

You can use "less than real" to describe something that lacks authenticity or feels detached from reality. For example, "The virtual reality experience felt "somewhat unreal", leaving me disoriented."

What are some alternatives to "less than real"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "not entirely authentic", "slightly artificial", or "virtually real".

Is it appropriate to use "less than real" in formal writing?

While "less than real" is acceptable, it may be better to use more precise language in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "not wholly substantial" or "not quite genuine" could be more appropriate depending on the meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between ""somewhat unreal"" and "less than real"?

"Less than real" suggests something is deficient in reality, while ""somewhat unreal"" simply implies a partial departure from reality. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.