are confronted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are confronted with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where individuals or groups face challenges, problems, or difficult circumstances. Example: "In today's rapidly changing world, businesses are confronted with numerous challenges that require innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are confronted with illusions.

The Guardian - Travel

We are confronted with three questions.

Cornell University

The models are confronted with experimental evidence.

International Journal of Fatigue

So suppose you are confronted with a risky situation.

Yale University

We are confronted with a new set of choices.

Cornell University

International agencies are confronted with counties making that claim.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But they are confronted with all sorts of obstacles.

The Economist

Both parties are confronted with deep questions about their identities.

The Economist

"We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now".

The New Yorker

"Here they are confronted with their biggest fears," she said.

The New York Times

The introduced methods are confronted with the curvature-based approach.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are confronted with" to describe situations where individuals or entities face significant challenges or problems. It conveys a sense of direct engagement with something difficult.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "are confronted with". Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The company is confronted with a crisis", consider "The crisis confronts the company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are confronted with" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a subject encounters or faces something, typically a challenge or difficulty. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are confronted with" is a versatile verbal phrase used to describe facing challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Its strength lies in emphasizing the direct encounter with a problem or situation. While alternatives like "face" or "encounter" exist, "are confronted with" often conveys a more significant or challenging scenario. Remember to use active voice where possible to enhance the directness of your writing. The phrase is common across news, scientific, and academic writing, demonstrating its broad applicability and neutrality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are faced with

Very similar, almost interchangeable, but slightly more passive.

face

Simpler and more direct alternative, often implying a less intense encounter.

encounter

Similar meaning, suggesting a chance or unexpected meeting with something.

are challenged by

Emphasizes the difficulty or demanding nature of the situation.

are up against

More informal, suggesting a competitive or adversarial situation.

contend with

Suggests dealing with difficulties or rivals.

are presented with

Highlights the act of being given or shown something, not necessarily negative.

grapple with

Implies a struggle or effort to overcome something.

deal with

A general term for handling or managing something.

meet with

Can imply a more neutral or positive encounter, not always a problem.

FAQs

What does "are confronted with" mean?

The phrase "are confronted with" means to face or encounter something, often a challenge, problem, or difficult situation. It implies a direct encounter that requires a response.

How can I use "are confronted with" in a sentence?

You can use "are confronted with" to describe situations where individuals, groups, or organizations face challenges. For example: "Scientists "are faced with" numerous ethical dilemmas in genetic research".

What can I say instead of "are confronted with"?

You can use alternatives like "face", "encounter", or "are faced with" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "face" or "are confronted with"?

Both "face" and "are confronted with" are correct, but "are confronted with" often implies a more significant or challenging encounter. "Face" is a more general term.