“Reel” vs “Real”: Main Differences & How to Use Both Correctly as a Writer

The words “reel” and “real” are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, but they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. Understanding the main differences between “reel” and “real” is important for writers to use them correctly in their writing.

“Reel” is a noun that refers to a cylindrical device on which material, such as film, wire, or thread, is wound. It can also be used as a verb to describe swaying or staggering movements or to wind something onto a reel.

“Real,” on the other hand, is an adjective that means genuine, authentic, or not imaginary. It is used to describe something that exists in reality, as opposed to being fictional or illusory.

As a writer, it is crucial to use “reel” when referring to a physical object or an action related to winding or swaying and to use “real” when describing something genuine or existing in reality. Understanding the differences between “reel” and “real” can help writers convey their intended meaning accurately and effectively, avoiding confusion and improving the clarity of their writing.

What Is The Meaning of Real?

As an adjective, real means actual, true, genuine, authentic, or sincere. Real can also mean, or relate to fixed, permanent, or immovable things (such as lands or tenements).

The word “real” has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used:

1. Adjective: Genuine or Authentic
   • Refers to something that is not fake or counterfeit. For example, “real leather” means genuine leather, not an imitation.
2. Adjective: Existing or Occurring in Reality
   • Describes something that actually exists or happens, as opposed to being imaginary or fictional. For example, “a real event” means an event that took place.
3. Adjective: Actual as Opposed to Imaginary or Illusory
   • Used to emphasize the actual existence or truth of something, often in contrast to what is perceived or believed. For example, “a real problem” means an actual, significant problem, not a minor or imaginary one.
4. Noun: Something that is Real or Genuine
   • Can be used to refer to the concept of reality or something truly genuine. For example, “the real” can refer to what is actual and true.
5. Adverb (informal): Very or Really
   • Used to emphasize the degree of something, synonymous with “very.” For example, “real tired” means very tired.

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When to Use Real In A Sentence

Real is an adjective that means having the quality of existence or truthfulness, making it a synonym of true, actual, or significant in most contexts.

Here are a few examples of how to use real in sentences.

• Real life is quite different from fairy tales.
• “The threat of climate change is real and needs to be addressed.”
• “I finally met a real astronaut at the science museum.”

The word real can also be used In mathematics where a real number is defined as one of an infinite set of quantities that can be represented by a point on the number line. For a more detailed description of the concept of real numbers, here is an example of real numbers in a sentence:

• -6, 13/2, √2, π, and 5 are all real numbers.

Sometimes, in dialectical speech, real is used as a substitute for the adjective very. This usage is widespread but incorrect. Really and very are considered standard in these situations. Use them instead.

READ ALSO: When to Use “Passed” vs “Past”: Definitions and Examples

What Is The Definition Of Reel?

Reel can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, a reel is a a round, wheel-shaped object on which sewing thread, fishing wire, film, etc. can be rolled, or the amount of thread, etc. stored on one of these.

Reel can be defined as:

1. a cylinder, frame, or other device that turns on an axis and is used to wind up or pay out something.
2. a rotatory device attached to a fishing rod at the butt, for winding up or letting out the line.

Here are two examples.

1. A standard full-length movie might contain as many as five film reels.
2. Modern fishing reels have complex attachments to aid in casting and winding up fishing lines.

As a verb, reel can mean to walk, moving from side to side, looking like you are going to fall:

• At closing time he reeled out of the bar and fell down on the pavement.
• She hit him so hard that he reeled backward.
• The wrestler’s right hook sent his opponent reeling.

SEE ALSO: When To Use Too or To: Simplifying These Tricky Twins

When To Use Reel In A Sentence

As a noun, a reel is a spool of long, narrow material wound around a cylinder. Film, fishing line, and masking tape all come in reels. Here are two examples.

• A standard full-length movie might contain as many as five film reels.
• Modern fishing reels have complex attachments to aid in casting and winding up fishing lines.
• Evans’s study, with cabinets for his stereo equipment and reel-to-reel tape recorder, is where he wrote several books, including “They Made America: From the Steam Engine to the Search Engine” and “My Paper Chase: True Stories of Vanished Times.” –The Wall Street Journal

As you can see from the example above, the correct spelling is a reel-to-reel recorder.

As a verb, reel has two senses. In one sense, it means to wind into a spool, as with a fishing line. Here is an example.

• The fish was too big, and Rob could not reel it in.

Reel can also mean to stagger or stumble. See the following sentence for an example.

• The boxer’s right hook sent his opponent reeling.

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How To Remember The Differences Between Reel and Real

Here is a helpful trick to remember real vs. reel in your writing.

Real is simply an adjective, while reel can be a noun or verb. Because actual is only ever used as an adjective, you can remember to save it for these situations because it is spelled with an A- the same letter that appears at the beginning of the term adjective.

Can Reel and Real Be Used Interchangeably In Writing?

“Reel” and “real” cannot be used interchangeably in writing, as they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts.

FAQs On Reel or Real

Conclusion

Real is an adjective that means existing or significant while reel can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it means a spool of long, narrow material like film or string. As a verb, it sometimes means to wind around a spool, like one does when fishing. It can also mean to stagger or stumble like one does when one has taken a blow to the head.

As writers, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of these distinctions and employ them correctly in our writing. Furthermore, having a strong grasp of language adds depth and clarity to our work, enabling us to effectively communicate our thoughts and ideas.

References

• writingexplained.org – Reel vs. Real: What’s the Difference?
• thoughtco.com – Real vs Reel: How to Choose the Right Word

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