realistically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "realistically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing practical or feasible expectations or outcomes in a given situation. Example: "Realistically, we need to consider the budget constraints before moving forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, is talked about more realistically, but she has jaw-dropping views on what is realistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

She amazed me by her knowledge of our domestic developments, her understanding of the nature of changes then under way, her ability to evaluate them realistically and her readiness to share with us the experience of what she called "my own perestroika".

The Guardian

It requires organisations to articulate what is required of these roles clearly and realistically, how they will fit with clinical careers, and how doctors will be supported to deliver them.

The Guardian

But realistically, I just have to wait to see what other people decide for me.

The Guardian

The other fear is of a new generation of veteran militants returning from the battlefields of the Sahel to wreak havoc in the US or, more realistically, Europe.

The Guardian

With most placements lasting just one to two weeks, what needs are voluntourists realistically able to address?

The Guardian

The remaining two categories are fortunate enough not to be artificially blown out of proportion by a Mrs Brown's Boys, and could realistically go to any of the nominees.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But he said that three treatments for obesity – bariatric surgery, appetite-suppressing drugs or a strict calorie-controlled diet – would not realistically have worked for Bincliffe, who had "high levels of self mutilation" and aggressive tendencies.

The Guardian

Nina is also about to give birth, which raises questions about how Annie is realistically going to fit into their family unit?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Realistically it was just wind or tiredness or the face he pulls whenever he craps himself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Come the evening the top-six will be shaken up again following Ipswich v Bournemouth and Derby v Watford in what is becoming an evermore enthralling finale from which any of the eight teams involved could realistically triumph.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "realistically", ensure it reflects a balanced assessment considering all relevant factors, not just a pessimistic viewpoint. For example, "Realistically, the project requires more funding, but it's still achievable with adjustments."

Common error

Avoid using "realistically" to introduce purely speculative scenarios without a basis in current facts or trends. It should ground assertions in tangible evidence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "realistically" is as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something is being considered or done in a realistic manner. Ludwig examples show it qualifies assessments, expectations, and approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "realistically" is a very common adverb used to inject practicality and feasibility into statements across various contexts, most frequently in news and media. According to Ludwig's AI, it's grammatically correct and widely usable. When writing, ensure "realistically" is employed to ground assertions in evidence, avoiding overuse in speculative scenarios. For alternatives, consider "in a practical manner" or "practically speaking". Remember to "realistically assess" situations and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be realistic

A more direct way of calling for practical thinking.

in a practical manner

Focuses on the practical aspect of an action or assessment, emphasizing real-world applicability.

in a feasible way

Highlights the achievability or possibility of something, focusing on its viability.

practically speaking

Emphasizes a viewpoint grounded in practical considerations rather than theoretical ones.

in reality

Draws a contrast between expectation or theory and the actual state of affairs.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement of truth or reality, often correcting a misconception.

down to earth

Emphasizes a grounded and practical approach, avoiding fanciful or unrealistic ideas.

in concrete terms

Focuses on specific, tangible aspects rather than abstract concepts.

objectively

Stresses an unbiased perspective based on factual information.

taking everything into consideration

Highlights the importance of considering and analyzing all aspects of something before making a judgement.

FAQs

How can I use "realistically" in a sentence?

Use "realistically" to modify verbs or clauses, indicating a practical or feasible assessment. For example, "Realistically assess the risks before investing.".

What are some alternatives to using "realistically" in writing?

You can use alternatives such as "practically speaking", "in reality", or "in a practical manner" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to qualify statements with "realistically"?

No, only use "realistically" when you want to emphasize a practical, grounded assessment. Overuse can make your writing sound overly cautious or negative.

What's the difference between "realistically" and "optimistically"?

"Realistically" implies an assessment based on facts and feasibility, while "optimistically" suggests a hopeful or favorable outlook, even if not entirely grounded in reality.