Grammar fix

a stark reality

harsh truth

a situation or fact that is unpleasant, difficult, or impossible to ignore, often because it is so clear or severe.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

After losing his job, he was faced with the stark reality of having to support his family with no savings.daily life
Many young people dream of owning a home, but the stark reality is that property prices are simply unaffordable for most first-time buyers.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a stark reality (that) + clause / noun phrase

WrongIt's a stark realty.

RightIt's a stark reality.

It's 'reality', not 'realty' (which means property).

Patterna stark reality (that) + clause / noun phrase

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff This represents a harsh and unembellished actuality of the present circumstances.

Natural That's the stark reality of the situation.

'Unembellished actuality' is purple prose; 'the stark reality of' is the natural pairing.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

the stark reality of
offacetheis that

Don't confuse it

Unlike simply saying 'the reality', 'a stark reality' stresses how obvious and harsh the situation is. It is not used for minor problems or neutral facts.

Try it in Daily Speak →