When faced with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "When faced with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a situation or condition that someone encounters, often leading to a response or action. Example: "When faced with a difficult decision, she took her time to weigh the options carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When faced with serious opponents, however, they demurred.

The Economist

When faced with a real threat, we remember the fundamentals.

The New York Times - Magazine

When faced with hard times, the species gambles, scientists report.

Science Magazine

When faced with impalpable surface landmarks, accurate localisation of the trachea can be very challenging.

Insights into Imaging

When faced with a multidrug-resistant organism, the ophthalmologist must consider alternative antibiotic strategies.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

When faced with the difficulty of supplying Paris, businesses adopt strategies that impact the surrounding municipalities.

European Transport Research Review

When faced with message-dropping agents, peers approximate a second best alternative to optimal overlay routes.

Security Informatics

When faced with adversity, we improvise.

Huffington Post

When faced with her two lovers, Cressida chooses Troilus.

Wikipedia

When faced with a well-financed opposition, the banks lost.

Huffington Post

When faced with monumental choices they chose badly.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using alternatives such as "in the face of" or "when confronted with" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "when faced with" in a way that obscures who is doing the facing. Ensure the subject of the sentence clearly identifies who is encountering the challenge or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when faced with" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a condition or circumstance. It modifies the main clause by specifying the situation under which the action in the main clause occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when faced with" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a situation or challenge. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts but is suitable for various forms of writing. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, and considering the numerous examples available, it’s clear that the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing conditional relationships and responses to specific circumstances. Remember to consider the context and audience to make sure you are employing the phrase appropriately, and use available alternatives to introduce variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when confronted by

Emphasizes a direct and potentially challenging encounter.

when dealing with

Focuses on the active management or handling of a situation.

upon encountering

Focuses on the act of discovery or meeting something, slightly more formal.

on being presented with

Emphasizes the act of being shown or given something.

given the situation of

Highlights the specific circumstances influencing a decision or action.

in circumstances involving

More detailed, focusing on the specifics of the situation.

in the presence of

Highlights the situation where something exists or is apparent, often in a formal context.

under conditions of

Suggests a formal or scientific setting where specific circumstances are in place.

in light of

Indicates that something is being considered or acted upon based on new information or circumstances.

considering

More concise, implying reflection on the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "when faced with" in a sentence?

You can use "when faced with" to introduce a situation or challenge that someone or something encounters, followed by the response or action taken. For example, "When faced with a problem, they seek a solution."

What are some alternatives to "when faced with"?

Some alternatives include "in the face of", "when confronted with", or "upon encountering", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "when faced with" or "if faced with"?

"When faced with" implies that the situation is likely to occur or has already occurred, while "if faced with" suggests a hypothetical situation. The best choice depends on whether you are discussing a real or potential scenario.

What's the difference between "when faced with" and "when dealing with"?

"When faced with" emphasizes the initial encounter with a situation, whereas "when dealing with" focuses on the ongoing process of managing or handling a situation. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the start of the encounter or the sustained effort to manage it.