act in the face of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act in the face of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe taking action despite challenges, difficulties, or opposition. Example: "She decided to act in the face of adversity and pursue her dreams regardless of the obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm ready to act in the face of this outrage.

The New York Times

"Pleasure is a revolutionary act in the face of pain," Young argues.

The New York Times - Books

Failing to act in the face of warning signs, the prosecutors said, was not a crime.

The New York Times

"I know how Herm will act in the face of adversity," Bradway said.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he did not believe governments would act in the face of growing demand for cheap energy.

The Guardian

That act, in the face of appeals from cultural institutions and governments around the world, seemed as much one of defiance as anything else.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sarkozy expressed confidence that the European Central Bank, while independent, would act in the face of possible deflation, one of the looming consequences of the crisis.

The New York Times

Sharing the true story of his personal experience in "No Easy Day" is a courageous act in the face of obvious risks to his personal security.

The New York Times

Another answer is aggressive monetary policy, which is why the Federal Reserve's refusal to act in the face of high unemployment and below-target inflation is a scandal.

The New York Times

If ever there's a moment in which we should be exercising our power to act in the face of danger, it is this one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The new estimates may help Democrats trying to preserve the Affordable Care Act in the face of fierce criticism from Republicans, who control Congress and maintain that the law will contribute to explosive health spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act in the face of" to convey a sense of determination and resilience when describing how someone responds to significant challenges or opposition. This phrase is particularly effective when the action taken is deliberate and purposeful.

Common error

Avoid using "act in the face of" when the opposition is minor or insignificant. The phrase carries a weight of serious adversity, and using it in trivial situations can sound hyperbolic or overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act in the face of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the circumstances under which an action is taken. It highlights that the action occurs despite, or in direct response to, an opposing force or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act in the face of" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for describing actions taken despite significant challenges or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts, emphasizing the actor's determination and resilience. When using this phrase, ensure the opposition is substantial to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Alternatives like "respond to adversity" or "take action despite" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It is crucial to define what one is acting in the face of for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take action despite

Emphasizes the action taken while acknowledging the hindering factor but uses a simpler structure.

respond to adversity

Focuses on the reaction to a difficult situation, rather than the act itself. It's less direct.

act in defiance of

Emphasizes a rebellious or resistant stance when taking action. Places more weight on the disregard for obstacles.

counteract opposition

Specifically addresses acting against resistance or disagreement. More adversarial.

move forward despite

Focuses on progression and continuation, recognizing hindrance. Less about direct action.

meet challenges head-on

Suggests a proactive and direct approach to dealing with difficulties. More vivid and metaphorical.

take a stand against

Suggests a firm and principled opposition, often implying a moral dimension. It's more about declaring a position.

brave adversity

Highlights the courage involved in facing difficulties. Shifts focus to the internal state of the actor.

defy the odds

Implies overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. More dramatic and outcome-oriented.

stand up to

Implies resistance and opposition, more aggressive.

FAQs

How can I use "act in the face of" in a sentence?

Use "act in the face of" to describe taking action despite significant challenges or opposition. For example, "The government had to "act in the face of" a growing economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "act in the face of"?

You can use alternatives like "respond to adversity", "take action despite", or "counteract opposition" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what one is acting in the face of?

While not always mandatory, specifying the challenge or opposition adds clarity and impact. Omitting it can make the sentence vague. The specifics allow the reader to fully appreciate the difficulty overcome.

What's the difference between "act in the face of" and "react to"?

"Act in the face of" implies a deliberate and proactive approach despite difficulties, whereas "react to" suggests a response to something that has already occurred. Acting is intentional; reacting is responsive.