stick to reality

USAGE SUMMARY

"stick to reality" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to convey the meaning of focusing on the facts and not getting carried away with unrealistic ideas. For example, you might say, "Let's stick to reality when discussing our budget for the summer vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

First come two nearly identical paintings of brick courtyards by de Hooch that confirm that the Delft realists didn't necessary stick to reality.

The New York Times - Arts

But does a biopic like The Social Network have any obligation to stick to reality? "Hollywood and film-makers in general when they are doing biopics have a duty to the truth," says Dennis Bingham, author of Whose Lives Are They Anyway?: The Biopic as Contemporary Film Genre.

BBC

Stick to reality TV!' I was like, 'No,'" Kim told Forbes in July.

Huffington Post

Stick to reality TV!' I was like, 'No,' " the 35-year-old said.

Huffington Post

I like to stick to reality, LOL! There's been some debate about the impact of mothers over emphasizing their daughter's good looks.

Huffington Post

Be it with how much gets spent at the venue or on flowers or photography, etc.... Soooooo... Don't just stick to your budget, stick to reality!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But what's the harm in sticking to reality?

Independent

"To make a kind of novel up using imaginary arguments is not sticking to reality," he said.

Vice

But I always shied away from it, feeling that, as an adult, I should stick to actual reality.

Huffington Post

Cynics will no doubt think this a saccharine sentiment merely, if only on the grounds that it is unattainable and that one had better stick to the realities of a world in which the majority of people are trapped in economic and intellectual prisons made by history, perpetuated and promoted by demagogues and the greedy and powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stick to your actual reality.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stick to reality" in writing, ensure the context is clear and that the intended meaning is to focus on facts and practical considerations, rather than imagination or speculation.

Common error

Avoid using "stick to reality" in contexts where creativity and imagination are desired, as it can stifle innovative thinking. Consider using phrases that encourage exploration and brainstorming instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to reality" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to focus on real-world facts and practical considerations rather than speculation or fantasy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick to reality" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that encourages a focus on facts and practicality. According to Ludwig AI, it's often employed in news and media to urge a grounded perspective. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overusing it in creative contexts where imagination should be prioritized. Alternative phrases, such as "adhere to the facts" or "remain grounded", can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. In essence, mastering the phrase "stick to reality" helps to improve clarity and relevance in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be realistic

Highlights the importance of considering what is likely to happen, differing from a call for action.

adhere to the facts

Emphasizes factual accuracy, differing from "stick to reality" by specifically highlighting adherence to facts.

deal with reality

Focuses on managing and confronting actual circumstances, differing from simply adhering to them.

be practical

Emphasizes usefulness and efficiency, differing slightly from the broader focus on truth in "stick to reality".

remain grounded

Focuses on staying practical and sensible, deviating slightly from the broader scope of "stick to reality".

face the facts

Emphasizes accepting unpleasant truths, making it more specific than "stick to reality".

maintain perspective

Highlights the need to consider all relevant aspects of a situation, contrasting with a narrower focus on truth in "stick to reality".

keep it real

More informal and emphasizes authenticity, contrasting with the neutral tone of "stick to reality".

live in the real world

Emphasizes understanding and engaging with tangible aspects, differing from the emphasis of facts only.

be down-to-earth

Focuses on being humble and approachable, contrasting with the neutral emphasis in "stick to reality".

FAQs

How can I use "stick to reality" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to reality" to advise someone to focus on facts and practical considerations. For example, "Let's "stick to reality" when planning our budget to ensure we don't overspend."

What's a more formal way to say "stick to reality"?

A more formal alternative to "stick to reality" is "adhere to the facts". This phrase maintains a professional tone and emphasizes accuracy.

Is "stick to reality" appropriate for creative writing?

While "stick to reality" is useful in discussions and planning, it's generally not ideal for creative writing. In creative contexts, encourage imagination and exploration of possibilities rather than adhering strictly to real-world constraints. Using alternatives like "explore possibilities" may be better.

What is the difference between ""stick to reality"" and "be realistic"?

"Stick to reality" implies focusing on current facts and circumstances, while "be realistic" suggests considering what is achievable or likely to happen in the future. Although similar, one is about factual present, the other is about expectations.