real

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is genuine, authentic, or not imaginary. Example: "I want to have a real conversation about our future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's the real problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Get real.

The New York Times - Arts

This would have suggested that although PRO 2000 was not a complete answer, it might be a useful part of the armoury.The dashing of that hope is a real blow, but there are other approaches to vaginal microbicides.

The Economist

It's not real.

The New York Times - Books

"The real effect of this speech will be to further increase the intolerance and the hostile reception that immigrants are facing from some sections of society".

The New York Times

There may be little appetite for further bloodshed from the Real IRA, and US president George Bush's new ultimatums on world terrorism may see further decline in support for Irish nationalists from the US.

The Guardian

To be in this position... it doesn't seem real.

The Guardian - Sport

For every year that's pushed out that's a year longer that it will take to make a real difference for people across the world".

The Guardian

"So the real challenge for us as we debate our role in the EU is working out what we should be pushing forward, what we should be leading on within the EU, to make it – and us – a more effective economic and global power".

The Guardian

"They don't want Iran to become a nuclear power and they will be as sceptical as the Israelis are as to whether this is going to be a real deal.

The Guardian

When leaving a message on this page, please be sensitive to the fact that you are responding to a real person in the grip of a real-life dilemma, who wrote to Private Lives asking for help, and may well view your comments here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real" to add emphasis and authenticity to your writing, particularly when describing experiences, emotions, or tangible items.

Common error

Avoid using "real" excessively as a simple intensifier (e.g., "real good"). Opt for more precise adjectives to enhance clarity and avoid weakening the impact of the word when used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The word "real" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate authenticity, genuineness, or existence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common use in describing tangible objects, situations, or emotions that are not artificial or imaginary. For example, "real leather" or "real problem".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "real" is a versatile adjective that denotes authenticity, genuineness, or factual existence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity and precision, avoid overusing "real" as a simple intensifier and instead, consider more specific adjectives that convey the intended meaning. When using "real", focus on highlighting the distinction between genuine and artificial, or factual and imaginary, to maximize its impact and maintain the integrity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine

Focuses on authenticity and being exactly what it appears to be.

authentic

Emphasizes the originality and lack of imitation.

actual

Highlights the factuality and existence in reality.

tangible

Stresses the physical and concrete nature of something.

veritable

Implies that something is true or real, often used for emphasis.

legitimate

Focuses on the lawfulness or authorization of something.

bona fide

Indicates good faith and genuineness, often in legal or formal contexts.

factual

Highlights that something is based on facts and evidence.

concrete

Stresses the specific and definite nature of something.

unfeigned

Highlights the sincerity and genuineness of a feeling or expression.

FAQs

How can I use "real" in a sentence?

You can use "real" to describe something that is genuine or authentic, as in "This is a real diamond". It can also emphasize the importance or impact of something, such as "This is a real problem".

What can I say instead of "real"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "genuine", "authentic", or "actual".

Which is correct: "real" or "really"?

"Real" is an adjective, while "really" is an adverb. Use "real" to modify nouns (e.g., "real problem"), and "really" to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., "really important").

What's the difference between "real" and "true"?

"Real" typically refers to something that exists objectively or is not artificial. "True" refers to something that aligns with facts or reality. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, "real" emphasizes existence, and "true" emphasizes accuracy.