are facing a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are facing a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or difficulties that individuals or groups are currently experiencing. Example: "The team is aware that they are facing a problem with the project's timeline and are working to find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But Ms. Hochuli-Wallman and millions of other digital shutterbugs are facing a problem.

The New York Times - Tech

"They are facing a problem of their own making," said Graham Smith, director of anti-monarchy group Republic.

The Guardian

[New City Patch via Gothamist] Occupy Wall Street protesters are facing a problem endemic to life in Manhattan: too many residents, not enough space.

The New York Times

— Leaders of this town in the bluegrass country of northeast Kentucky are facing a problem any mayor would envy: how to spend a windfall.

The New York Times

"We are facing a problem now of having to say no to some requests for help because we have more than we can handle".

The New York Times

Furthermore, employers who are facing a problem to have a quality evaluation for the interview process might find this method provides useful evidence for the good evaluation.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

President Obama is facing a problem at this week's G8 meeting in L'Aquila, Italy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it may be facing a problem too difficult for any amount of money to overcome.

The New York Times

Lebanon is facing a problem of excessive nurse migration to countries of the Gulf, North America and Europe.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Some of them have suggested that he may be facing a problem if he declines to prosecute.

The New York Times

Nowadays, each and every country is facing a problem of huge water scarcity because of pollution created by manmade activities.

Aquatic Procedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are facing a problem", ensure the context clearly defines the nature and scope of the problem to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are facing a problem" as a generic statement. Instead, follow up with details about the specific problem and its impact. For example, instead of just saying "They are facing a problem", specify what the problem is: "They are facing a problem with their supply chain due to recent disruptions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are facing a problem" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a subject is currently experiencing a difficulty or challenge. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe situations where solutions are needed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are facing a problem" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations where individuals or entities encounter difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, including news, science, and business. It is essential to provide specific details about the problem when using this phrase to enhance clarity. While alternatives exist, such as "are encountering difficulties" or "are experiencing challenges", "are facing a problem" remains a direct and effective way to convey the presence of an issue. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC frequently use it, confirming its acceptability and widespread application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are encountering difficulties

Replaces "facing a problem" with a more general term for difficulties.

are experiencing challenges

Uses "experiencing challenges" as a more formal alternative to "facing a problem".

are dealing with an issue

Substitutes "facing a problem" with "dealing with an issue", suggesting a more active approach.

are confronting a setback

Implies a temporary obstruction rather than a general problem.

are up against a hurdle

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting an obstacle to overcome.

are grappling with a predicament

Indicates a more complex or difficult situation.

are in trouble

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express being in a problematic situation.

are having complications

Focuses on the presence of complicating factors.

are struggling with a challenge

Highlights the effort required to overcome the problem.

are navigating a tricky situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "are facing a problem" in a sentence?

Use "are facing a problem" to indicate that someone or something is currently experiencing a challenge or difficulty. For instance, "The company is facing a problem with declining sales."

What are some alternatives to "are facing a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "are encountering difficulties", "are experiencing challenges", or "are dealing with an issue" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are facing a problem" or "is facing a problem"?

"Are facing a problem" is used with plural subjects, while "is facing a problem" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They are facing a problem" versus "He is facing a problem."

What's the difference between "are facing a problem" and "are having a problem"?

While similar, "are facing a problem" often implies a more significant or complex challenge than "are having a problem". "Are having a problem" can refer to a minor or temporary difficulty.