runs counter to reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "runs counter to reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, belief, or statement that contradicts or opposes the actual state of affairs or truth. Example: "His claims about the economy run counter to reality, as the data clearly shows a different trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a pernicious trope that runs counter to reality.

The New York Times

And it runs counter to reality.

Huffington Post

Immediately asking ourselves or someone else to "pull it together" or "rise to the challenge" or "not be a victim" runs counter to reality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then there is the problem of advertisers' obsession with youth, which has been identified by David Wheldon, chief marketing officer of RBS, who says it runs counter to the reality of economic power.

The Guardian

This assumption runs counter to the reality that most resource-rich governments actually have a large say in their resource sector and have the policy tools to intervene.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

That's because the underlying assumption that universities deserve significant additional public funding runs counter to two realities that will affect higher education.

Science Magazine

It has been argued that the 'good' mother is a social construct that runs counter to the lived reality of most mothers [ 66].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

And when reality runs counter to those feelings of pride, tuning out of reality doesn't cause it to cease.

Vice

An inability to separate religious beliefs from an assessment of physical reality runs counter to the very basis of our society — the separation of church and state.

The New Yorker

An inability to separate religious beliefs from an assessment of physical reality runs counter to the very basis of our society the separation of church and state.

The New Yorker

Sexual pleasure pursued purely for its own sake runs counter to what Freud called the "reality principle" and social philosopher Herbert Marcuse later adapted as the "performance principle" – ie the restraints placed on us by the demands of civilised society, whereby sexual gratification has to be earned through social "performance".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "runs counter to reality" to emphasize a strong disagreement or contradiction with known facts. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight a significant disconnect between a statement and the actual state of things.

Common error

Avoid using "runs counter to reality" for minor disagreements or subjective opinions. This phrase is most impactful when used to describe a clear and demonstrable contradiction of facts, not just a difference in viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "runs counter to reality" functions as a means of expressing disagreement or contradiction with the existing state of affairs. It's used to highlight discrepancies between assertions and facts, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "runs counter to reality" is used to indicate a contradiction or opposition to the actual state of affairs. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable. It's most effective when used to highlight a significant disconnect between a statement and demonstrable facts, making it suitable for news, academic writing, and analytical contexts. While not frequent, its impact is strong when employed accurately. Alternatives include "contradicts reality" and "is at odds with reality", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradicts reality

Directly states opposition, focusing on a clash between statements and reality.

is at odds with reality

Implies a state of conflict or disagreement with what is real.

defies reality

Suggests a challenge or resistance to the accepted reality.

is inconsistent with reality

Highlights a lack of alignment or agreement with factual circumstances.

clashes with reality

Emphasizes a sharp contrast or conflict with what is real.

is divorced from reality

Indicates a separation or detachment from the true state of affairs.

does not align with reality

Focuses on the lack of correspondence or agreement with real events.

is contrary to reality

Highlights a direct opposition or contradiction to the actual world.

flies in the face of reality

Suggests a bold and defiant contradiction of what is known to be true.

is in opposition to reality

States direct conflict with what is real or factual.

FAQs

How can I use "runs counter to reality" in a sentence?

You can use "runs counter to reality" to describe a statement, idea, or action that contradicts known facts or the actual state of affairs. For example, "His claims about the economy "runs counter to reality", as the data clearly shows a different trend."

What phrases are similar to "runs counter to reality"?

Similar phrases include "contradicts reality", "is at odds with reality", and "defies reality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "run counter to reality"?

No, the correct form is "runs counter to reality" when referring to a singular subject. The verb "run" must agree with the subject in number.

What's the difference between "runs counter to reality" and "ignores reality"?

"Runs counter to reality" implies a contradiction or opposition, while "ignores reality" simply suggests a lack of attention to or acknowledgement of the actual state of affairs. One is an active opposition; the other is passive neglect.