Exploring the Nuances of the Words "Real World" and "One-Third"

Words may seem simple at first glance, but many have specific rules in usage, spelling, and punctuation. In this article, we’ll look closely at the terms real world and one-third. We’ll explore their uses as nouns, adjectives, and verbs, show examples of correct and incorrect usages, and explain how to apply grammar rules correctly. Additionally, we’ll examine the distinction between the terms One Third? and One-Third?, which might seem similar but actually differ significantly in grammar.

Part 1: The Word Real World

The phrase real world can have different meanings depending on how it is used. Let’s break it down into its parts of speech: noun, adjective, and verb.

1. Real World as a Noun:

When real world is used as a noun, it refers to actual life or the world in which we live, as opposed to fantasy, imagination, or a theory.

Correct Examples:

Many students struggle with adjusting to the real world after graduating from college.
He had no experience in the real world of business before starting his company.
She was always caught up in books and finally faced the realities of the real world.
In the real world, things don’t always go according to plan.

Incorrect Examples:

She lived in the realworld, so she could solve all problems. (Incorrect because realworld should be two words)
The real-world of business requires tough decisions. (Incorrect usage; “real-world” is an adjective, not a noun)
I always loved talking about the real-world of nature. (Incorrect because ‘real-world’ should not be a noun phrase like this)
You need to prepare for real world challenges, not fantasy ones. (Should be ‘real world challenges’ instead of a compound noun ‘realworld’)

2. Real World as an Adjective:

When real world functions as an adjective, it describes something that pertains to real, actual situations rather than theoretical ones.

Correct Examples:

She has a real-world experience that benefits our company.
The real-world skills she learned will be essential in the future.
Their approach solves real-world problems that impact many people.
This course focuses on real-world applications of scientific theories.

Incorrect Examples:

She has a real-worlded experience that benefits our company. (Incorrect because the word real-worlded is not a proper word or form.)
His realworld knowledge was very helpful in the situation. (Incorrect because realworld should be written as two separate words: real world.)
They will tackle realworld problems that we face each day. (Once again, it should be real world, not one word.)
The real world-problems need immediate attention. (A hyphen shouldn’t be used between “real” and “world” in this context as an adjective.)

3. Real World as a Verb:

Typically, real world is not used as a verb. However, one could figuratively use it in phrases like “to real-world something,” but this is not standard and would be considered informal, vague, or wrong in strict grammar contexts.

Correct Example:

In the context of business, they need to real-world these theories through active practice (Informal, but often used in conversation or specific jargon).

Incorrect Examples:

I will real world these problems in the next few months. (This should be rephrased to avoid awkward or informal expression.)
They’ve real worlded the idea perfectly for this stage of the project. (Incorrect and informal. It is not standard English.)

Part 2: The Word One-Third

In the phrase one-third, there’s a very important rule about the punctuation and meaning. It can function as a noun, an adjective, and sometimes a verb, but its form must be correctly spelled and used for clarity and precision. The proper form involves a hyphen when referring to a fraction, but that’s not the case with all instances of the word.

1. One-Third as a Noun:

When used as a noun, one-third refers to a fraction that represents a part of a whole. It is important to include the hyphen.

Correct Examples:

One-third of the population voted in the election.
She ate one-third of the cake by herself.
We split the cost into three, each paying one-third.
They received one-third of the available funds.

Incorrect Examples:

One third of the students graduated last year. (Incorrect because one third should always be hyphenated in this case.)
The piece represents one third of the total length. (Missing the hyphen; should be one-third.)
The recipe calls for one third cup of sugar. (Incorrect; one third cup should be hyphenated as one-third in this fraction form.)
One third of the game was canceled due to rain. (Again, one-third should be the correct form here.)

2. One-Third as an Adjective:

When used as an adjective, one-third modifies a noun and helps describe part of a whole, requiring the hyphen in its compound form.

Correct Examples:

She contributed one-third of the total amount for charity.
They paid a one-third share of the rent this month.
The one-third portion of the document was about marketing.
We received the one-third portion that was promised.

Incorrect Examples:

She contributed one third of the total. (The fraction should be hyphenated when used as an adjective: one-third.)
We each got a one third of the deal. (Should be one-third when modifying a noun.)
One third allocation went to marketing. (Missing hyphen—correct form: one-third.)
There are a one third profit to be shared. (Incorrect because it’s missing a hyphen.)

3. One Third as a Verb Phrase:

It’s a common mistake to use one third as a verb phrase, but this is incorrect. Verb phrases should describe an action, and fractions such as one-third are not typically used as verbs in English.

Correct Example:

They agreed that one-third of the project will be completed by next month. (Using it correctly as a noun.)

Incorrect Examples:

We’ll one third our budget for next year. (This is an incorrect use; one-third is a noun or adjective, not a verb.)
I will one third my share of responsibilities for the event. (Here, the structure is wrong—one-third can’t be a verb phrase.)

Consistency in UK and US English

In both UK and US English, the forms real world, real-world, and one-third follow similar grammatical rules. However, there can be some stylistic differences in broader usage, like the adoption of simpler expressions or variations in punctuation. Despite those minor differences, the principles of hyphenation and usage largely stay consistent across these two major varieties of English.

Conclusion

Understanding the proper usage of real world and one-third can greatly improve writing clarity and precision. Real world can function as a noun or adjective, but not as a verb, while one-third needs to be hyphenated when used as a noun or an adjective. It’s crucial to avoid simple mistakes, such as writing one third instead of one-third, as the hyphenated form correctly conveys the fractional meaning.

For clarity, always remember: