be confronted

USAGE SUMMARY

"be confronted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about a situation where someone is facing a challenge, problem, or difficult situation. Example: John had never been in a fight before, so he was nervous about being confronted by the school bully after class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He needs to be confronted.

The New Yorker

They should be confronted or contained.

The New York Times

The danger of Russia must be confronted.

The Economist

"They have to be confronted".

The New York Times

Another factor must be confronted.

The New York Times - Arts

"That risk, that threat, must be confronted.

The Guardian

Muslims should be confronted and stigmatised.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has to be confronted squarely.

The New York Times

The Taliban must be confronted head-on.

The New York Times

More immediately, Everton must be confronted.

The Guardian - Sport

These are arguments that must be confronted.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be confronted" when you want to emphasize a direct encounter with a challenge, problem, or opposing force. It suggests a situation that demands a response or action.

Common error

Avoid overuse in passive voice. While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "be confronted" can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives for stronger, more direct statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be confronted" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject is on the receiving end of a challenging or opposing action. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, showing the phrase used in contexts where individuals or entities face difficult situations or opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be confronted" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates facing a challenge, opposition, or difficult situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions grammatically as a passive verb phrase, often found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While it is a correct expression, writers should be mindful of overusing passive constructions and consider active voice alternatives for stronger writing. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, as well as related phrases like ""be faced"" and "be challenged", will help you use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be faced

This alternative is more general, simply implying the act of facing something without the element of opposition or challenge that "be confronted" often carries.

be challenged

This suggests a call to prove oneself or one's abilities, adding a layer of competition or testing not always present in "be confronted".

be addressed

This alternative focuses on dealing with an issue or problem, emphasizing resolution over direct engagement or opposition.

be tackled

This implies a more proactive approach to dealing with a problem or challenge, suggesting an attempt to overcome it directly.

be encountered

This term indicates a chance meeting or unexpected experience, rather than an intentional or necessary confrontation.

be opposed

This highlights the act of resistance or disagreement, focusing on the conflict rather than the direct interaction.

be dealt with

This is a broader term indicating the need to manage or handle something, without necessarily implying direct opposition or challenge.

be handled

Similar to 'be dealt with', this implies managing a situation, problem or person, often suggesting a degree of skill or care.

be managed

This term is often used in business contexts to describe the controlling or organizing of a situation to achieve a specific goal.

be withstood

This indicates resisting or enduring something challenging, focusing on resilience rather than direct engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "be confronted" in a sentence?

You can use "be confronted" to describe facing a challenging situation, person, or problem. For example: "The company had to be confronted about its environmental impact" or "He was nervous about having to "be faced" with his past mistakes".

What's the difference between "be confronted" and ""be faced""?

"Be confronted" often implies a direct, possibly challenging encounter, while ""be faced"" is more general and simply means to encounter or deal with something. "Be confronted" suggests a need for a response or action in the face of opposition or difficulty.

What are some synonyms for "be confronted"?

Some synonyms for "be confronted" include ""be faced"", "be challenged", "be addressed", and "be tackled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be confronted by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be confronted by" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates who or what is initiating the confrontation. For example: "The protesters were confronted by the police".