virtual reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtual reality" is correct and usable in written English.
The term is used to refer to a computer-simulated environment that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world or imaginary worlds. For example, "The rise of virtual reality has provided users with immersive and interactive experiences that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Virtual reality.

The Washington Post

Virtual Reality.

Stanford University

Back to virtual reality.

The New Yorker

I love virtual reality!

The Guardian - Tech

In virtual reality?

The Guardian

No. Virtual reality.

The New York Times

Virtual reality is coming.

The Guardian - Tech

Interested in virtual reality?

The Guardian - Tech

Virtual Reality. 5 Units.

Stanford University

Forget virtual reality.

The Guardian - Tech

Immersive virtual reality?

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "virtual reality", differentiate it from augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) to avoid confusion, as they offer distinct user experiences.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements about what "virtual reality" can achieve without considering current technological limitations and specific application scenarios. Focus on what's currently possible rather than hypothetical future capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtual reality" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of technology or environment, as evidenced by Ludwig examples such as "Virtual reality is coming" and "Virtual reality has its limits". Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "virtual reality" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound noun phrase. It is primarily used to describe technology that creates simulated environments. Ludwig AI analysis and examples from diverse sources confirm its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. While often discussed in technical contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it accessible for general audiences. Understanding its applications and distinguishing it from related technologies like augmented reality is crucial for effective communication. Use "virtual reality" accurately by specifying the context and avoiding overgeneralizations about its capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simulated reality

Focuses on the artificial nature of the environment.

computer-generated reality

Highlights the technological origin of the virtual environment.

immersive digital environment

Emphasizes the engaging and all-encompassing nature of the experience.

artificial environment

Underscores the non-physical aspect of the setting.

augmented reality

Related technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, instead of creating a fully simulated environment.

mixed reality

Combines elements of both virtual and augmented reality.

digital simulation

Broadly refers to the use of computer models to mimic real-world processes or environments.

synthetic environment

Highlights the artificial composition of the environment.

cyberspace

Refers to the digital world as a whole, often encompassing virtual reality experiences.

virtual world

Emphasizes the creation of a distinct, self-contained digital space.

FAQs

How to use "virtual reality" in a sentence?

"Virtual reality" is used to describe a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with. For example: "The company is developing new applications for "virtual reality" in education and training."

What's the difference between "virtual reality" and "augmented reality"?

"Virtual reality" creates a completely immersive digital environment, while "augmented reality" overlays digital information onto the real world.

What are some applications of "virtual reality"?

"Virtual reality" has diverse applications, including gaming, training simulations, medical procedures, and virtual tourism.

Is "virtual reality" the same as "cyberspace"?

While related, "virtual reality" refers to specific simulated environments, whereas "cyberspace" is a broader term encompassing the digital world and internet as a whole.