"real-time" vs "real time"

Question

"real-time" vs "real time"

Both "real-time" and "real time" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Real-time" is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that happens instantly or without delay, while "real time" is used as a noun phrase to refer to the actual time during which something occurs.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use "real-time" as an adjective to describe processes, systems, or data that occur or are updated instantly or without delay.

Examples:

The real-time data feed provides up-to-the-minute information.
We need a real-time monitoring system for the network.
The game features real-time strategy gameplay.

Alternatives:

live
instantaneous
up-to-the-minute
immediate

Use "real time" as a noun phrase to refer to the actual time during which something happens or is processed.

Examples:

The data is processed in real time.
The system displays information in real time.
The simulation runs in real time.

Alternatives:

actual time
current time
live time
present time

Answer 1

real-time

This is a commonly used term in English to describe something that happens instantly or without delay.

Answer 2

real time

This is also a correct term in English, used as a noun phrase to refer to the actual time during which something occurs.

"real-time" vs "real time"

real-time

real time

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