semblance of reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"semblance of reality" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or thing that appears to be real, but is not actually real. For example: "The movie created a strange semblance of reality, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between what was true and what was not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Verisimilitude, the semblance of reality in dramatic or nondramatic fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For there is no semblance of reality here.

The Guardian - Film

Somehow, you have to achieve a semblance of reality.

The Guardian - Money

We have been immersing ourselves in reality shows that contain no semblance of reality.

The Guardian

Which sounds like yet another example of hype finally being overtaken by some semblance of reality….

The Guardian - Tech

Only her life outside the house can she talk about with a semblance of reality.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But otherwise, the play traffics in the good-natured semblance-of-reality tropes that, as in sitcoms, serve less to distinguish the characters than to encourage the audience to identify with them.

The New York Times

Since Galileo was forced by religious literalists to repudiate his own scientific experiments showing the earth circled the sun, perhaps we should feel some sympathy for the presidential science adviser, John H. Marburger III, a middle-manager hoping to salvage some semblance of reality-based thinking in the White House.

The New York Times

The nearer you get, the more these semblances of reality seem to disappear.

The Guardian - Arts

The success of a movie like " 'R Xmas," which opens today in Manhattan, depends on maintaining a semblance of documentary reality.

The New York Times

I appreciate that he created an entertaining show reflecting some semblance of business reality and the joys, heartache, challenges and creativity involved in producing and succeeding in business.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations: the phrase often implies a degree of artificiality or deception.

Common error

Avoid using "semblance of reality" when you actually mean genuine reality. The phrase highlights the appearance of reality, not reality itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "semblance of reality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object, subject complement, or object of a preposition. It describes the quality of appearing real without necessarily being so. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "semblance of reality" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes something appearing real but not necessarily being so. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with numerous examples available across diverse sources. It’s frequently found in News & Media, often used to highlight a discrepancy between appearance and actuality. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implication of artificiality or deception, and consider alternatives like "appearance of truth" or "veneer of authenticity" for nuanced meaning. Avoid confusing "semblance" with genuine reality to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearance of truth

Emphasizes the truthful aspect of the appearance rather than the overall reality.

veneer of authenticity

Highlights a superficial layer that gives the impression of being authentic.

air of plausibility

Focuses on the believability or credibility that something projects.

facade of reality

Suggests a deceptive or misleading presentation of reality.

simulation of the real world

Implies a deliberate creation or imitation of reality.

impression of genuineness

Highlights the feeling or perception that something is real or sincere.

guise of truth

Indicates a deceptive appearance intended to resemble the truth.

pretense of actuality

Suggests a claim or false display of something being real.

semblance of normalcy

Focuses on the appearance of being normal after a disruption.

hint of realism

Suggests a small amount of real characteristics.

FAQs

How to use "semblance of reality" in a sentence?

You can use "semblance of reality" to describe something that appears real but might not actually be, such as "The movie created a convincing "semblance of reality" through its special effects".

What can I say instead of "semblance of reality"?

You can use alternatives like "appearance of truth", "veneer of authenticity", or "air of plausibility" depending on the specific context.

Is "semblance of reality" formal or informal?

"Semblance of reality" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions.

What's the difference between "semblance of reality" and "simulation of reality"?

"Semblance of reality" suggests something that merely resembles reality, while "simulation of reality" implies a deliberate attempt to create a realistic imitation.