confront the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confront the question" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that a person is facing an issue or problem. For example, "The government must confront the question of how to raise enough money for the construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To confront the question openly would turn a split into a schism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isn't it time for us to confront the question: What is actually our "first priority"?

The New York Times

And so we had to confront the question, whether we would extend the voice-roaming rules to broadband.

The New Yorker

Congress will return from recess on Monday and confront the question of whether to authorize a military intervention in Syria.

The New York Times

Only once in his book near the end does Mr. Kotchian specifically confront the question of morality.

The New York Times

Mr. Levine answered that he was compelled to confront the question of Wagner on the composer's turf.

The New York Times - Arts

Anyone who undertakes to produce a volume of surveys in economic development must confront the question: Does the world really need another one?

Handbook of Development Economics

Natural food shoppers must also confront the question of whether products labeled organic by the store are as advertised.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This thought leads Granik to confront the questions that seem to haunt all her films.

The Guardian - Film

I must escape, go wild, be free, after which I have to confront the questions: How free?

The New Yorker

One of the biggest questions of the Arizona debate was how Rick Santorum was going to confront the questions about his commentary on social issues like birth control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "confront the question" often implies a sense of urgency or necessity. If the situation calls for a more passive approach, consider alternatives like "consider the question" or "address the question".

Common error

Avoid using "confront the question" sarcastically when the intention is to deliberately avoid the question. This creates ambiguity and undermines the seriousness of the issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confront the question" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of addressing or facing a specific question or issue. It suggests a direct and often challenging engagement with the subject matter. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confront the question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's employed to emphasize the act of directly addressing an issue or inquiry, often when it presents a challenge or requires immediate attention. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Related phrases such as "address the issue" or "tackle the problem" offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, remember that using this expression implies a degree of urgency or necessity in facing the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address the issue

Focuses on directly dealing with an issue, similar to confronting a question but slightly broader.

tackle the problem

Emphasizes actively working to solve a problem, similar to confronting a question that arises from it.

grapple with the issue

Suggests a more intense and difficult struggle with the issue compared to simply confronting it.

face the dilemma

Specifically refers to facing a difficult choice or situation, a particular type of question.

consider the matter

Focuses on thoughtful consideration, less direct than confronting.

examine the problem

Highlights a detailed investigation of the issue, differing from a direct confrontation.

engage with the topic

Suggests active participation and discussion, not necessarily a direct confrontation.

ponder the puzzle

Implies thoughtful reflection on a complex issue, less direct and more contemplative.

deliberate the subject

Emphasizes careful and thorough discussion before making a decision.

weigh the considerations

Highlights the process of assessing different factors before making a judgment, less direct than confronting.

FAQs

How can I use "confront the question" in a sentence?

You can use "confront the question" to indicate a direct and often challenging engagement with an issue. For example, "The committee must "address the question" of funding before proceeding."

What are some alternatives to "confront the question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "address the issue", "tackle the problem", or "grapple with the issue".

Is it better to "confront the question" or "avoid the question"?

Whether to "confront the question" or "avoid the question" depends on the situation. Confronting is often necessary for resolution, while avoiding might be appropriate in sensitive contexts.

What's the difference between "confront the question" and "consider the question"?

"Confront the question" implies a more direct and potentially challenging engagement, while "consider the question" suggests a more thoughtful and reflective approach.