manipulate reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manipulate reality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts discussing the influence or alteration of perceptions, situations, or environments, often in philosophical, psychological, or artistic discussions. Example: "In his latest novel, the author explores how characters can manipulate reality to escape their mundane lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Docs manipulate reality, over-relying on effects such as music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We want our leaders to manipulate reality to our liking.

The New York Times

With CGI effects to the fore, the backdrops seen on screen sometimes manipulate reality.

Independent

Why, in other words, couldn't "Meerkat Manor" manipulate reality like every other reality show?

The New York Times - Arts

You can manipulate reality, your can invent without being disloyal to the essence of history.

The Guardian

I know that they offer me money for interviews and I refuse because I don't manipulate reality".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

If you take the view that biology does nothing in vain, and evolutionary economics are incredibly spare, then why have this faculty that allows one to command and manipulate realities which do not exist.

Vice

(On that score, at least, the Chinese producers are no different from their American counterparts, who are routinely accused of manipulating reality via editing).

The New York Times - Arts

On the other hand, television, which is now sometimes scolded for exploiting or manipulating reality, has also been scolded for its extreme unreality.

The New York Times - Arts

Japanese researchers have developed an "Inception helmet" that manipulates reality to simulate such experiences, and could be used to study cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.

The Guardian

The pictures tend to be either improbably flattering or deliberately obscured - along with the rest of what's posted, they represent a highly manipulated reality.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "manipulate reality" in contexts where a conscious effort to change the understanding or experience of reality is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "manipulate reality" in contexts where simple influence or persuasion is more appropriate. Reserve it for situations involving significant alteration or distortion of what is considered real.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manipulate reality" functions as a verb phrase, where "manipulate" is the transitive verb and "reality" is its direct object. It describes the act of influencing or controlling someone's perception of what is real. Ludwig AI indicates correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "manipulate reality" describes the act of altering or controlling the perception of what is real. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English. While often carrying negative connotations related to deception, it can also appear in neutral contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Art publications, with an overall uncommon usage frequency. Alternatives to "manipulate reality" include "alter perception", "shape reality", and "distort reality", each with subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shape reality

Implies a more active and formative role in creating reality.

alter perception

Focuses on changing how something is perceived, rather than the reality itself.

mold perception

Similar to "alter perception", but emphasizes a gradual shaping of understanding.

distort reality

Suggests a bending or twisting of reality, often with negative connotations.

spin the facts

Emphasizes a biased presentation of information.

control the narrative

Emphasizes the power to dictate how a story or situation is understood.

influence events

Focuses on affecting occurrences, rather than the underlying reality.

engineer consent

Implies a strategic manipulation of public opinion.

fabricate truth

Highlights the creation of a false reality or narrative.

rewrite history

Focuses on altering the past record of events to fit a new narrative.

FAQs

What does "manipulate reality" mean?

To "manipulate reality" means to influence or control the perception or understanding of what is real, often to achieve a specific outcome or agenda. It implies altering facts or experiences to create a different impression.

How can I use "manipulate reality" in a sentence?

You might say, "The documentary was accused of trying to "manipulate reality" by selectively editing footage" or "Politicians are often accused of attempting to "manipulate reality" to gain voter support".

What are some alternatives to "manipulate reality"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "alter perception", "shape reality", or "distort reality".

Is "manipulate reality" always negative?

While often used in negative contexts to describe deception or unethical influence, "manipulate reality" can also be used neutrally or even positively in discussions about art, creativity, or problem-solving, where altering perceptions can lead to new insights or solutions.