confront problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confront problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of facing or dealing with challenges or difficulties directly. Example: "In order to grow as individuals, we must confront problems head-on rather than avoiding them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And one that ultimately builds local capacity to confront problems?

The Washington Post

Today engineering and science researchers routinely confront problems in mathematical modeling involving nonlinear differential equations.

Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation

Local government leaders are being asked to confront problems with which they are totally unfamiliar.

Stanford University

They confront problems, like missing their parents and dealing with cranky classmates.

The New York Times - Arts

As the investigators wrote, the doctors "did not wish to directly confront problems or face choices".

The New York Times

And our nation's leaders are responsible to confront problems, not pass them on to others.

The New York Times

The Bundesbank is also likely to begin pushing harder for euro zone nations to confront problems at individual banks.

The New York Times

And we find it harder to confront problems that creep up on us than emergencies that hit quickly.

The New York Times

The Biology & Society major provides the skills and perspectives necessary to confront problems with biological, social, and ethical dimensions.

Cornell University

The Communist Party here also has a history of reinventing itself to confront problems of its own making.

The New York Times

• The new president also should signal that we will no longer confront problems just by blowing them up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confront problems" when you want to emphasize a direct and proactive approach to dealing with difficulties. It suggests a willingness to face challenges rather than avoiding them.

Common error

Instead of saying "Problems need to be confronted", use the active voice: "We must "confront problems"" to create a stronger and more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confront problems" functions as a verb phrase, where "confront" is the transitive verb and "problems" is the direct object. It describes the action of facing and dealing with difficulties directly. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "confront problems" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that signifies directly addressing challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is utilized across various domains like news, academia, and science. While alternatives such as "address challenges" or "tackle issues" exist, "confront problems" emphasizes a proactive approach. When using the phrase, it's best to employ active voice and avoid passivity for maximum impact. Therefore, understanding its nuances helps improve writing and communication, ensuring your message is both clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address challenges

This alternative focuses on the act of tackling challenges directly.

tackle issues

This phrase emphasizes actively dealing with specific issues.

resolve difficulties

This alternative highlights the aim of finding solutions to difficulties.

meet challenges head-on

This suggests facing difficulties with courage and determination.

grapple with obstacles

This option implies a more intense struggle when facing obstacles.

take on difficulties

This implies accepting and dealing with difficult situations or challenges.

manage predicaments

This suggests controlling or handling difficult situations.

face predicaments

This option simply means being in the presence of a predicament.

overcome adversity

This phrase emphasizes triumphing over difficult or unfavorable circumstances.

deal with setbacks

This focuses on managing negative occurrences that delay progress.

FAQs

How can I use "confront problems" in a sentence?

You can use "confront problems" in sentences like: "Leaders must "confront problems" directly to find effective solutions" or "The team needs to "confront problems" together to achieve their goals".

What are some alternatives to "confront problems"?

Some alternatives to "confront problems" include "address challenges", "tackle issues", and "resolve difficulties".

Is it better to "confront problems" or avoid them?

Generally, it is better to "confront problems" rather than avoid them. Addressing issues directly can lead to effective solutions and prevent them from escalating.

What does it mean to "meet challenges head-on" compared to "confront problems"?

"Meet challenges head-on" ("meet challenges head-on") emphasizes courage and determination in facing difficulties, while "confront problems" is a more general term for addressing them.