more realistic than

USAGE SUMMARY

"more realistic than" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to compare two or more ideas or things and indicate that one is more realistic than the others. Example: The movie's special effects were more realistic than those in other sci-fi films. This phrase can be used in any context where a comparison of realism is being made. For example: - The novel was more realistic than the TV show adaptation. - The painting was more realistic than the photograph. - The plan for the project was more realistic than the initial proposal. - The game's graphics were more realistic than its competitors. - The dream she had last night felt more realistic than any she had before.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some ideas are more realistic than others.

The Guardian - Tech

Legislation is more realistic than a manifesto promise".

The Guardian

But Buckley himself had been more realistic than his eulogists.

The New Yorker

I found the book to be different as it was more realistic than some fantasy books.

The Guardian

But I think my gods are more realistic than the traditional ones".

The New York Times

I really hope that the rest of the party leadership are more realistic than this.

The Guardian

So perhaps Outcasts is more realistic than it seems after all.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unfortunately, right now that looks no more realistic than a prolonged American occupation of Raqqa.

The New Yorker

These tales, of course, were no more realistic than sex-advice manuals.

The New Yorker

New technology is almost always sold as more "accurate," more "realistic" than its precedents.

The New York Times - Magazine

The treatment of European minorities is far more realistic than that of non-European minorities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing scenarios, use "more realistic than" to emphasize which one aligns better with known facts, logical possibilities, or real-world conditions. This helps strengthen your argument and improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "more realistic than" in purely abstract discussions where concrete validation is impossible. Ensure that there's an objective basis for the comparison, or consider using alternatives like "more plausible" or "more coherent" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "more realistic than" is as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something by comparing its degree of realism to something else. Ludwig examples confirm it is commonly used to assess the believability or practicality of different situations or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more realistic than" is a common and grammatically correct way to compare the degree of realism between two or more things. As indicated by Ludwig, it's used to assess the practicality, believability, or alignment with observable facts. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts, emphasizing its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that there's a clear and objective basis for the comparison. Alternatives like "more sensible than" or "more plausible than" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more sensible than

Focuses on the practicality and reasonableness of an idea over another.

more pragmatic than

Highlights a practical, real-world approach instead of a theoretical one.

more hardheaded than

Emphasizes a practical and unsentimental approach.

more lifelike than

Stresses the resemblance to real life or a living being.

more down to earth than

Highlights the grounded and practical nature of something.

more true to life than

Focuses on the accuracy and authenticity of a depiction.

more accurate than

Highlights the precision and correctness of information.

more practical than

Emphasizes the feasibility and usefulness of something.

more plausible than

Highlights the believability and likelihood of something.

more authentic than

Focuses on the genuineness and originality.

FAQs

How can I use "more realistic than" in a sentence?

Use "more realistic than" to compare two or more ideas or things, emphasizing that one is more aligned with reality. For example, "His expectations were "more realistic than" hers because he considered the budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to saying "more realistic than"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "more sensible than", "more plausible than", or "more practical than".

Is it correct to use "more realistic than" in formal writing?

Yes, "more realistic than" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it's used correctly in comparing scenarios or ideas based on their likelihood or alignment with reality.

What's the difference between "more realistic than" and "more optimistic than"?

"More realistic than" focuses on aligning with facts and practical considerations, while "more optimistic than" describes a hopeful outlook, which may not necessarily be grounded in reality.