confront the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'confront the problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are discussing or describing a situation in which someone is actively addressing an issue or difficulty. For example, "The team decided to confront the problem head-on and develop a plan of action to solve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we must confront the problem of causation.

The New York Times

They have simply failed to confront the problem".

The New York Times

You're still a member of the team, and the team has to confront the problem".

The New York Times

"He is the first president to confront the problem and do something about it.

The New York Times

But to consider Wharton and her work is to confront the problem of sympathy.

The New Yorker

For the first time, we may have to confront the problem of permanent environmental refugees.

The New York Times

But ultimately we need to broaden the lens in which we confront the problem.

The New York Times

But there is a hot political debate about how to confront the problem.

The Washington Post

This should provide an opportunity for the Obama administration to more directly confront the problem.

The Washington Post

There never was a lack of willingness to confront the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

The laughter is simply a means of making the audience confront the problem".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confront the problem" when you want to emphasize a direct and assertive approach to dealing with a difficulty. This phrase conveys a sense of taking charge and actively seeking a solution.

Common error

Avoid using "confront the problem" in situations where a more neutral term like "address" or "handle" would be more appropriate. "Confront" can sometimes imply aggression or conflict, which may not be the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confront the problem" functions as a verb phrase where 'confront' acts as a transitive verb taking 'the problem' as its direct object. It describes an action of actively addressing a difficult situation, which, according to Ludwig AI, is perfectly valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confront the problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that emphasizes a direct and assertive approach to dealing with difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly valid and adaptable across numerous contexts. While "confront" carries a slightly stronger connotation than alternatives like "address" or "handle", it's generally appropriate for news, business, and academic settings. With an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase proves to be a solid choice for writers aiming to convey a sense of proactive problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address the issue

Replaces "confront" with a more neutral term, focusing on dealing with the matter.

tackle the challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing it as an opportunity for overcoming difficulties.

deal with the difficulty

Offers a straightforward alternative, emphasizing the act of handling a troublesome situation.

face the problem head-on

Adds emphasis on directness and courage in addressing the problem.

grapple with the problem

Implies a more intense and prolonged struggle with the issue.

resolve the matter

Shifts the focus to finding a solution or settlement for the problem.

take on the issue

Suggests accepting responsibility for dealing with the problem.

manage the problem

Focuses on controlling or handling the problem effectively.

work through the problem

Implies a systematic and methodical approach to resolving the problem.

get to grips with the problem

Suggests gaining a thorough understanding and control over the problem.

FAQs

What does it mean to "confront the problem"?

To "confront the problem" means to face a difficult situation directly and actively try to find a solution. It suggests a proactive approach to dealing with challenges.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "confront the problem"?

It's appropriate to use "confront the problem" when you want to emphasize a direct and assertive approach to dealing with a difficulty, suggesting a willingness to tackle it head-on.

What are some alternatives to "confront the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "address the issue", "tackle the challenge", or "deal with the difficulty" depending on the context.

How does "confront the problem" differ from "ignore the problem"?

"Confront the problem" implies actively addressing and seeking solutions, while ignoring the problem means avoiding it, which can lead to further complications.