are faced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are faced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is confronted with a challenge or problem. Example: "In today's rapidly changing world, many businesses are faced with the challenge of adapting to new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are faced with a looming disaster".

Independent

We are faced with two possibilities.

The New York Times - Arts

Almos are faced with an uncertain future.

The Guardian

Londoners are faced with a double whammy.

The Guardian

"We are faced with a Hobson's choice.

The New York Times

"Mothers are faced with impossible choices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are faced with a paradox.

The New York Times - Sports

"You are faced with a new reality.

The New York Times

Suddenly, they are faced with the possibility of being unwanted.

The New York Times - Sports

"Gentlemen, we are faced with a difficult paradox.

The New Yorker

We are faced with incredible hardship for years to come.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are faced" when you want to convey that someone is encountering a significant challenge or situation that requires attention. It's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are faced" in very casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "encounter" or "experience" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are faced" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is experiencing or dealing with something, often a challenge or difficulty. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where entities "are faced" with various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are faced" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a subject is encountering a challenge or situation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal writing and should be used sparingly in informal settings. Alternatives like "encounter" or "deal with" can provide simpler options for casual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter

This alternative is a more concise and direct synonym for "are faced", suggesting a less emphasized challenge.

are presented with

This alternative emphasizes the act of something being offered or given, often unexpectedly, introducing something.

confront

This alternative emphasizes a more direct and potentially adversarial interaction with the situation.

deal with

This alternative focuses on the action of managing or handling a situation.

are challenged by

This alternative specifically highlights that something is posing a challenge.

experience

This alternative is a more general term indicating that something is happening to someone, without necessarily implying a challenge.

meet

This alternative is a formal way of saying to encounter.

grapple with

This alternative suggests a more intense and prolonged struggle with a challenge.

contend with

Similar to 'grapple with', this alternative also indicates struggling or competing with something.

are up against

This alternative is an idiom expressing a more direct and challenging opposition.

FAQs

What does "are faced" mean?

The phrase "are faced" indicates that someone is encountering or dealing with a challenging or significant situation.

What can I say instead of "are faced"?

You can use alternatives like "encounter", "confront", or "deal with" depending on the context.

Is "are faced" formal or informal?

"Are faced" is generally considered appropriate for neutral to formal contexts. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

How to use "are faced" in a sentence?

Use "are faced" to describe a situation where individuals or groups encounter challenges, such as: "Businesses "are challenged by" rapidly changing technologies".