Confront the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Confront the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to face or address an issue directly, often in a problem-solving context. Example: "In order to move forward, we must confront the problem head-on and find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we must confront the problem of causation.

The New York Times

They have simply failed to confront the problem".

The New York Times

You're still a member of the team, and the team has to confront the problem".

The New York Times

"He is the first president to confront the problem and do something about it.

The New York Times

But to consider Wharton and her work is to confront the problem of sympathy.

The New Yorker

For the first time, we may have to confront the problem of permanent environmental refugees.

The New York Times

But ultimately we need to broaden the lens in which we confront the problem.

The New York Times

But there is a hot political debate about how to confront the problem.

The Washington Post

This should provide an opportunity for the Obama administration to more directly confront the problem.

The Washington Post

There never was a lack of willingness to confront the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

The laughter is simply a means of making the audience confront the problem".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confront the problem" when you want to convey a sense of directness and determination in addressing a challenge. It's suitable when the issue requires immediate and decisive action.

Common error

Avoid using "confront the problem" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or aggressive. Opt for milder alternatives like "address" or "deal with" in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confront the problem" functions as a verb phrase where "confront" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("the problem"). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to indicate the need to face or address an issue directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "confront the problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It conveys a direct and decisive approach to addressing a challenge, making it suitable for formal and professional contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. While widely applicable, be mindful of its potential for sounding overly aggressive in informal situations. Alternatives like "address the issue" or "resolve the problem" may offer a more nuanced approach. The phrase's consistent presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Resolve the problem

Emphasizes the act of finding a solution or an end to a difficult situation.

Address the issue

Focuses on dealing with a specific matter or point of discussion, less intense than "confront".

Tackle the challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required in dealing with something.

Face the difficulty

Highlights the act of acknowledging and not avoiding an obstacle.

Deal with the matter

A more general and less forceful way of saying to handle a situation.

Grapple with the dilemma

Suggests a struggle or deep thought is involved in resolving the problem.

Get to grips with the predicament

Implies gaining understanding and control over a difficult situation.

Take on the difficulty

Suggests accepting a challenge and committing to resolving it.

Engage with the question

Implies a deeper involvement and consideration of the subject.

Rectify the complication

Focuses on correcting or fixing something that is intricate or complex.

FAQs

How can I use "confront the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "confront the problem" to emphasize the need to directly address an issue, as in "The government needs to "confront the problem" of climate change immediately".

What are some alternatives to "confront the problem"?

Alternatives include "address the issue", "tackle the challenge", or "resolve the problem" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "address the problem" or "confront the problem"?

"Address the problem" is generally a more neutral and less aggressive way to approach an issue, while ""confront the problem"" suggests a more direct and potentially contentious engagement.

When should I use "confront the problem" instead of "ignore the problem"?

Use ""confront the problem"" when an issue demands immediate attention and cannot be avoided. Ignoring the problem might lead to further complications.