realize a dream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "realize a dream" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might use it in a sentence like "She worked hard for years to realize her dream of owning her own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

To actually realize a dream, that's the best thing on earth".

The New York Times - Sports

Here was his chance to realize a dream, at bargain rates.

The New York Times - Arts

For Verizon, an acquisition would finally realize a dream of unwinding a partnership that stretches back 14 years.

The New York Times

But this is a great chance for these women to maybe realize a dream they always had.

The New York Times

It took getting out of her comfort zone to realize a dream she didn't know she had.

The Washington Post

"This is an opportunity for me to realize a dream, an opportunity for me to share my message of hope, of second chances.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

WHEN Karl Kaye bought Performance Motors in 1992, he realized a dream.

The New York Times

Then, in 1973, he realized a dream and became mayor.

The New York Times

Mr. Wasserstein said he was realizing a dream of sorts.

The New York Times

It was realizing a dream to join that place with photography.

The New York Times

When it came, the professional facade finally melted, revealing a youngster who realized a dream.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "realize a dream" with vivid descriptions of the dream itself to create a more impactful and engaging narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "realize a dream" when you simply mean 'to understand' something. "Realize" in this context specifically refers to making something (a dream) real, not just understanding a concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "realize a dream" functions as a verb phrase, where "realize" acts as a transitive verb taking "a dream" as its object. This phrase describes the action of making a dream become real or true. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "realize a dream" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the achievement of a long-desired goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for a variety of contexts, especially news and media. While alternatives like "achieve a dream" or "fulfill a dream" exist, "realize a dream" carries a unique nuance of making something previously intangible into a tangible reality. When writing, remember that the most common error is confusing the verb 'realize' with 'understand' and that its impact comes from using it in descriptions of long efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve a dream

Focuses on the act of achieving or attaining the dream.

fulfill a dream

Emphasizes the completion or satisfaction of the dream.

accomplish a dream

Highlights the successful completion of a dream.

make a dream come true

Highlights the transformation of a dream into reality.

attain a dream

Focuses on the act of gaining or acquiring the dream.

actualize a dream

Implies making the dream concrete or tangible.

bring a dream to fruition

Suggests nurturing and developing the dream to its full potential.

turn a dream into reality

Focuses on the conversion of a dream into something real and tangible.

live out a dream

Highlights the experience of living in accordance with a dream.

reach a dream

Emphasizes arriving at the point where the dream is achieved.

FAQs

What does it mean to "realize a dream"?

To "realize a dream" means to make a long-held aspiration or ambition become a reality. It implies that significant effort and planning were involved in achieving the desired outcome.

How can I use "realize a dream" in a sentence?

You can use "realize a dream" in a sentence like this: "After years of hard work, she finally managed to "realize a dream" and open her own bakery."

What are some alternatives to "realize a dream"?

Some alternatives to "realize a dream" include "achieve a dream", "fulfill a dream", or "make a dream come true". Each of these phrases emphasizes different aspects of bringing a dream to fruition.

Is it correct to say "actualize a dream" instead of "realize a dream"?

Yes, "actualize a dream" is a valid alternative to "realize a dream". While both phrases convey the idea of turning a dream into reality, "actualize" often implies making the dream more concrete or tangible.