to be realistic

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be realistic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement or opinion that is pragmatic or grounded in reality. Example: To be realistic, we need to consider all the potential challenges and setbacks before moving forward with this project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Human beings have to be realistic.

Independent

I wanted to be realistic.

The New York Times

You have to be realistic.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It has to be realistic".

The New York Times - Arts

"We need to be realistic.

Independent

"But we've got to be realistic.

Independent

Is that proving to be realistic?

The New Yorker

But, to be realistic, not much more.

Independent

"But you have to be realistic".

The New York Times

However, it's important to be realistic.

Independent

But I have to be realistic.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be realistic" when introducing a grounded assessment or a pragmatic viewpoint, especially when tempering expectations or evaluating possibilities in practical terms.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "to be realistic" as a conversation opener or a way to dismiss ideas prematurely. Overuse can make your communication sound pessimistic or dismissive, hindering open discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be realistic" primarily functions as an introductory infinitive phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It sets the stage for a statement that emphasizes practicality and rational assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be realistic" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a pragmatic or grounded perspective. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's important to incorporate practicality into communication, be mindful of overuse, as it can risk sounding overly pessimistic. Consider using alternative phrases like "to be practical" or "to be pragmatic" to vary your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be practical

Shifts the focus slightly towards emphasizing the usefulness and feasibility of an action or idea.

to be pragmatic

Emphasizes dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical considerations.

to be sensible

Highlights the aspect of making decisions based on good judgment and reason.

to be down-to-earth

Focuses on being practical and unpretentious, suggesting a lack of fanciful or unrealistic ideas.

to be reasonable

Emphasizes fairness and good sense in expectations and actions.

to face the facts

Highlights acknowledging and accepting reality, even when it is unpleasant.

to get real

A more informal way of urging someone to confront reality, often implying someone is being naive or unrealistic.

to keep it real

Stresses authenticity and honesty in one's actions and words, closely tied to being genuine and unpretentious.

to be objective

Stresses impartiality and the ability to see things without personal feelings or biases.

to have a sense of perspective

Emphasizes the importance of viewing situations in a balanced and rational manner, considering all relevant factors.

FAQs

How can I use "to be realistic" in a sentence?

You can use "to be realistic" to introduce a practical consideration or a tempering statement, such as: "To be realistic, we need more funding to complete the project successfully."

What are some alternatives to "to be realistic"?

Alternatives include "to be practical", "to be pragmatic", or "to be sensible". Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be realistic" or "being realistic"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "To be realistic" is often used as an infinitive phrase to introduce a thought, while "being realistic" might function as a gerund within a sentence, such as: "Being realistic about our limitations is important."

When is it appropriate to use "to be realistic" in a conversation?

It's appropriate to use "to be realistic" when you want to introduce a dose of practicality, manage expectations, or provide a grounded assessment of a situation. However, be mindful of the tone, ensuring it doesn't come across as overly negative or dismissive.