not very real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very real" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that lacks authenticity, genuineness, or reality. Example: The special effects in the movie were impressive, but the storyline felt contrived and not very real.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But even then it's not very real.

The New York Times

"The way they are portrayed in the media is not very real; they are shown as a loud group of girls but the girls are also victims.

Independent

In the same way, not every woman is disadvantaged by sexism, or every gay person by homophobia; but that doesn't mean they're not very real problems which have to be tackled head-on rather than trivialised.

The Guardian - Opinion

I appreciated the challenge, but it was a long-term project, not very real, until I got this call from a woman who said, 'I am the cousin of Eva Braun and I could tell you a lot', so I met her.

The Guardian - Books

Just because I don't see it day-to-day or have not experienced it first hand doesn't mean it's not very real.

Huffington Post

Key informants nonetheless indicated that donors and implementers rarely appreciated this complexity: There's a lot of magical thinking about what this 'pilot project' or 'proof of concept' will do because it's not very real in terms of the stakes necessary to actually sustain for impact and scale.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Palm Beach is very attractive, Uncle Bobby," she says, "but it isn't very real".

The New York Times - Style

"But I don't want to leave you with the sense that this isn't very real," Mr. Walder added.

The New York Times

Intersectionality may be an academic term that has spilled into common usage among some feminists, but that doesn't mean that the concept it refers to isn't very real and worthy of discussion.

Independent

But that doesn't mean that there aren't very real problems with the academic enterprise that must be faced.

Science Magazine

Or that the frustration felt by those tasked with keeping populations safe, especially in the wake of a tragedy like Paris isn't very real.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing subjective experiences or abstract concepts, use "not very real" to express a sense of detachment or lack of grounding in reality.

Common error

Avoid using "not very real" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary that conveys the intended nuance with greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very real" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun by indicating a deficiency in its authenticity, genuineness, or tangible quality. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very real" serves to express a lack of authenticity or substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe something that feels detached from reality or lacks genuineness. While more common in news and media contexts, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and opt for more precise language in academic or highly formal writing. Related phrases like "not very authentic" or "not very realistic" can offer nuanced alternatives. Ultimately, understanding its function and register helps in effectively conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very authentic

Emphasizes a lack of genuineness or originality.

not very realistic

Focuses on the implausibility or unlikelihood of something.

not quite real

Indicates a partial or incomplete sense of reality.

somewhat artificial

Highlights the manufactured or constructed nature of something.

a bit contrived

Suggests a forced or unnatural quality.

lacking substance

Points out the absence of depth or meaningful content.

rather superficial

Indicates a lack of depth or thoroughness.

slightly illusory

Suggests a deceptive or misleading appearance.

not entirely genuine

Implies a partial lack of sincerity or honesty.

somewhat fabricated

Highlights the invented or manufactured nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "not very real" to describe something that lacks authenticity or feels detached from reality. For example: "The politician's promises seemed "not very real" during the debate".

What phrases are similar to "not very real"?

Alternatives to "not very real" include "not very authentic", "not very realistic", or "somewhat artificial", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "not very real" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not very real" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and sophisticated language to convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "not very real" and "unrealistic"?

"Not very real" suggests a lack of authenticity or substance, while "unrealistic" implies that something is improbable or unlikely to happen. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a lack of genuineness or a lack of plausibility.