be confronted with the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be confronted with the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone faces or has to deal with a particular issue or challenge. Example: "When the team was finally confronted with the problem, they realized they needed to come up with a solution quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And if someone had told me fifty years ago -- when we cried out, "Free Soviet Jewry, Never Again!" -- that world Jewry would be confronted with the problems it faces today, I would have said: Impossible.

Huffington Post

To begin with we are confronted with the problem of equitable apportionment.

Cornell University

In constructing the new national government, the Framers were confronted with the problem of how its officials would be chosen.

The New York Times

As a consequence, they are confronted with the problem to translate abstract new curriculum principles into concrete learning tasks.

Teaching and Teacher Education

At the targeting stage, one is confronted with the problem of designing the evaporation process and simultaneously considering the energy consumption.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Gambling is everywhere and most schools have not been confronted with the problem -- or at least they haven't been smacked in the face by the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

U.S. Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii received notification of the false alert almost immediately and was confronted with the problem of how to handle it.

The Washington Post

Tube designers are confronted with the problem of finding settings for a large number of design parameters that are optimal with respect to several simulated tube characteristics.

European Journal of Operational Research

Participants watched a film of a job interview in which the applicant was confronted with the problem and either denied or apologized for it.

The New York Times - Health

During the design of Tactos map, we were confronted with the problem of enabling users to access content beyond the screen viewport.

IRBM

In this context, planners have been confronted with the problem of defining those characteristics of rural landscapes which are typical of agricultural and forestry activities and ecosystems.

Land Use Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be confronted with the problem", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is facing the issue and what the problem specifically entails. Providing this clarity enhances the sentence's informativeness and impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions like "be confronted with the problem" can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Opt for active voice where appropriate to make your writing more dynamic. Consider using "face the problem" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be confronted with the problem" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone or something is facing a challenge or difficult situation. It's a passive construction indicating the subject is on the receiving end of the confrontation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be confronted with the problem" is a grammatically correct way to describe a situation where someone faces a difficulty. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context. Active alternatives like "face the problem" might be more direct and engaging. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for formal writing, but overuse of passive constructions should be avoided. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be faced with the problem

Passive voice, similar in meaning but emphasizes the state of being presented with the problem.

Face the problem

Direct and simple alternative, emphasizing direct engagement.

Encounter the problem

Similar in meaning, but suggests a more passive discovery of the problem.

Deal with the problem

Focuses on the action of managing or resolving the issue.

Address the problem

Implies a formal or official handling of the problem.

Tackle the problem

Suggests an energetic and proactive approach.

Grapple with the problem

Implies a struggle or difficulty in understanding or solving the problem.

Run into the problem

Indicates an unexpected or accidental encounter with the problem.

Be up against the problem

Suggests a confrontational or competitive situation.

Come up against the problem

Similar to "be up against", but emphasizes the act of approaching or reaching the problem.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be confronted with the problem" to sound more direct?

You can use more direct alternatives such as "face the problem", "encounter the problem", or "deal with the problem" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be confronted with the problem"?

While "be confronted with the problem" is grammatically correct, it's in the passive voice. Using the active voice, such as "face the problem", can make your writing more direct and impactful.

What is the difference between "be confronted with the problem" and "encounter the problem"?

"Be confronted with the problem" suggests a more forceful or unavoidable meeting with the issue, whereas "encounter the problem" implies a more passive or coincidental discovery.

In what contexts is "be confronted with the problem" most appropriate?

The phrase is suitable for formal writing, news reports, or academic papers where a neutral and slightly detached tone is desired. In more informal settings, a more direct alternative might be preferable.