real person

USAGE SUMMARY

"real person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone (or something) is not imaginary. For example: "This is a real person whom I know, not someone I made up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a real person".

The New York Times

She was a real person.

The New York Times

Was Beatrice a real person?

The Economist

This is a real person.

The New York Times

"He is a real person".

The New Yorker

Is this a real person?

The New York Times

She's a real person".

The New York Times

Who's the real person?

The New York Times

"He is a real person," Hall responded.

The New York Times - Sports

He is more like a real person".

The New York Times - Health

Thought it was a real person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "real person" to emphasize the authenticity and tangibility of an individual, especially when contrasting them with fictional characters, abstract concepts, or artificial representations.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "real person" as flawless or without complexities. Acknowledge their imperfections and multifaceted nature to maintain credibility and authenticity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real person" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It qualifies and identifies an individual as existing and genuine. Ludwig shows that it is used in contexts to distinguish between fictional and non-fictional entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real person" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the authenticity and existence of an individual, as indicated by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in news and media, often to contrast individuals with fictional characters or abstract ideas. The phrase carries a neutral register and is useful for fostering empathy and highlighting individuality. To avoid common errors, ensure that when you describe a "real person", you remember to include flaws and complexity, for a more credible and authentic portrayals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine individual

Emphasizes authenticity and sincerity in a person.

authentic human being

Highlights the unpretentious and true nature of someone.

flesh-and-blood person

Stresses the physical reality and humanity of someone.

living soul

Focuses on the vibrant and alive essence of a person.

actual person

Underscores the factuality of a person's existence.

tangible being

Highlights the concrete and perceptible nature of a person.

bona fide person

Suggests legitimacy and genuineness.

existent individual

Emphasizes the presence and reality of a person.

veritable person

Adds a sense of truthfulness and certainty.

human entity

A more clinical and detached way of referring to a person.

FAQs

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

You can use "real person" to emphasize the authenticity of someone, contrasting them with fictional characters or abstract ideas. For instance, "It's important to remember that behind every statistic, there's a "real person" with unique experiences."

What are some alternatives to saying "real person"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "genuine individual", "authentic human being", or "flesh-and-blood person" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "real person"?

The phrase "real person" is useful when you want to highlight the fact that someone is not a figment of imagination, an artificial construct, or a generalization. It emphasizes their existence and individual identity.

Is there a difference between "real person" and "actual person"?

While similar, "real person" often carries a stronger connotation of authenticity and lived experience, whereas "actual person" primarily emphasizes the fact of their existence.