real dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

'real dilemma' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The decision between choosing one career path over another is a real dilemma for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kerry faces a real dilemma.

The New Yorker

"They face a real dilemma.

The New York Times

And hence the real dilemma.

The New York Times

"We are in a real dilemma".

The New York Times

"It's a real dilemma," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it also presents a real dilemma.

The Guardian - Opinion

A real dilemma for Borussia, this.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a real dilemma," Ms. Maloof said.

The New York Times - Travel

However, there is a real dilemma.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's the real dilemma for the modern White House.

The New Yorker

"What women want is a real dilemma," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for concision or needing to avoid repetition, consider more direct synonyms such as "predicament" or "quandary".

Common error

While "real dilemma" is acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "tough situation" or "difficult choice" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real dilemma" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies the noun "dilemma". It describes a difficult situation or problem, adding emphasis to its genuineness. Ludwig AI shows many examples in news articles where the phrase is used to highlight significant challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "real dilemma" is a commonly used phrase that describes a genuinely difficult or challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While it can be used in various settings, it's particularly effective in formal and professional communication to emphasize the significance of a problem. Consider alternative phrases like "genuine predicament" or "tough choice" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey and the context in which you are writing. Avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine predicament

Replaces "dilemma" with "predicament", emphasizing the difficult and unpleasant nature of the situation.

true quandary

Substitutes "dilemma" with "quandary", highlighting the perplexity and uncertainty involved.

difficult situation

Offers a more general term for a "dilemma", focusing on the challenge presented.

tough choice

Highlights the aspect of needing to make a decision between difficult options.

serious problem

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the situation.

complex issue

Emphasizes the intricate and complicated nature of the dilemma.

challenging circumstance

Replaces "dilemma" with a broader term, focusing on the difficulty of the situation.

actual conflict

Highlights the conflicting elements or choices within the situation.

legitimate struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with the dilemma.

pressing concern

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the issue causing the dilemma.

FAQs

How can I use "real dilemma" in a sentence?

You can use "real dilemma" to describe a genuinely difficult situation. For example, "The company faces a "real dilemma" in balancing profits with environmental responsibility".

What phrases are similar to "real dilemma"?

Alternatives include phrases like "genuine predicament", "true quandary", or "difficult situation". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "real" before "dilemma"?

No, it's not always necessary. Using just "dilemma" implies a difficult situation. Adding "real" emphasizes the genuineness and significance of the problem. For example, "The team faced a "real dilemma"" emphasizes the difficulty more than "The team faced a dilemma".

What's the difference between a "real dilemma" and a "moral dilemma"?

A "real dilemma" is any genuinely difficult situation. A "moral dilemma" specifically involves a conflict between ethical principles or values. While a moral dilemma is always a real dilemma, not every real dilemma is necessarily a moral one.