Choosing between real world or real-world is not as confusing as it might seem. It all comes down to whether you’re using the phrase on its own or to describe something else.
Imagine ‘real world’ (without the hyphen) as the world you live in, complete with all its ups and downs and daily tasks.
But when you put ‘real-world’ (with the hyphen) before another word, you’re using it to describe something from your day-to-day life.
Real World or Real-World? Which is Correct?
Both “real world“ and “real-world“ are correct. The correct form depends on how you are using the phrase in a sentence.
If it’s an adjective before a noun, use “real-world” with the hyphen. As a standalone noun, “real world” is the right choice.
Look at the following examples of the use of real world vs real-world:
- Real World as a noun: “After graduation, you’ll face challenges in the real world.“
- Real-World as an adjective: “That class prepares you with real-world skills.”
Real World: Meaning and Usage
“Real world” is a noun phrase that refers to actual life or reality, not something that’s made up or artificial.
It usually refers to the practical, everyday situations you encounter. When you use this phrase to talk about life in general without modifying another word, no hyphen is needed.
- Example: After graduation, you’ll face challenges in the real world.”
In this sentence, “real world” is not linked to any other noun, so there’s no need for a hyphen.
Real-World: Meaning and Usage
The term “real-world” is a compound adjective that comes before a noun to describe something that relates to practical, everyday life.
With a hyphen, “real-world” becomes a compound adjective. This means it’s used to describe a noun, by adding characteristics of the real world to it.
As an adjective, “real-world” precedes the noun it modifies. For instance:
- Example: “That class prepares you with real-world skills.”
Here, “real-world” modifies “skills,” telling you what kind of skills the class provides, so you use a hyphen.
Examples of Using “Real World“ in A Sentence
“In the real world, not all problems have easy solutions.”
“She was eager to apply her knowledge in the real world.“
“The real world can be both challenging and rewarding.”
“In the real world, patience and perseverance often pay off.”
“After years of training, she was ready to compete in the real world.”
Examples of Using “Real-World“ in A Sentence
“This course offers real-world applications of theoretical concepts.”
“She gained real-world experience from her internship.”
“We need to consider the real-world effects of these policies.”
“The software provides real-world solutions for businesses.”
“Her real-world knowledge makes her an excellent mentor.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What do people mean by ‘living in the real world’?
When someone mentions ‘living in the real world,’ they are usually referring to dealing with the practical and everyday challenges of life, as opposed to an idealized or hypothetical scenario.
What is meant by ‘real-world experience’?
‘Real-world experience’ signifies practical knowledge gained through direct participation in everyday activities rather than theoretical understanding from books or studies.
Is it real life or real world?
‘Real life’ and ‘real world’ both refer to actual existence and experiences, but ‘real life’ emphasizes individual existence while ‘real world’ can also reflect broader social and environmental contexts.
