confronted a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confronted a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where someone faced or dealt with an issue or challenge. Example: "During the meeting, the team confronted a problem that had been affecting their project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For years, Verizon and Vodafone have confronted a problem: what to do with Verizon Wireless, which they both own nearly equally?

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Senator Bob Dole had just assumed the mantle of Senate majority leader, after the Republican landslide of 1994, when he confronted a problem.

The New York Times

"We have never confronted a problem of this magnitude, and we're trying to adjust laws and procedures in a responsible way, a responsibly aggressive way.

The New York Times

Under the motto "Land to the tiller," the students sought to limit property size and rights, and, by fostering debate on the issue of ethnicity, they confronted a problem marginalized by Haile Selassie.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Frequently portrayed on television or in movies as crazy eccentrics or evil geniuses, many inventors are just ordinary people who have confronted a problem and want to try to solve it, Mr. Molella said.

The New York Times

Whether depicting a sunlit landscape in a painting or suspending a balletic leap in midair, each of Loewy's heroes confronted a problem by methodically constructing a beautiful and new solution.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In this field, Bhutan is also confronting a problem with capacity.

Independent

But now, he is confronting a problem whose intractability and deep-seated causes have bedeviled policy makers for decades.

The New York Times

Finlay's stories often feature a young protagonist who is forced to confront a problem posed by the social world.

The Guardian - Arts

They are confronting a problem of the new era of Alzheimer's research: The ability to detect the disease has leapt far ahead of treatments.

The New York Times - Health

The key to taking advantage of a lender's willingness to help, however, is a borrower's willingness to confront a problem before it spirals out of control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "confronted a problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the problem being addressed. Specify what actions were taken or should be taken to resolve it.

Common error

Avoid using "confronted a problem" without providing context about the problem itself. Vague references can leave the reader confused about the significance of the confrontation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confronted a problem" functions as a verb phrase, where "confronted" is the past tense of the verb "confront", indicating an action of facing and dealing with something, and "a problem" is the object of that action. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confronted a problem" is a grammatically sound and widely understood expression used to describe the act of facing and addressing a challenge. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries, indicating a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the nature of the problem. While the phrase is generally correct, avoid vagueness by providing sufficient context. Consider alternatives like "addressed an issue" or "tackled a challenge" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faced a difficulty

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly different emotional tone.

addressed an issue

Replaces "confronted" with a softer term, focusing on dealing with the issue rather than facing it directly.

met a hurdle

Emphasizes the need to overcome an obstacle in order to progress.

tackled a challenge

Emphasizes the proactive nature of dealing with a difficult situation.

handled a predicament

Suggests a careful and skillful management of a difficult situation.

grappled with an obstacle

Implies a more prolonged and intense struggle.

combated a complication

Suggests a more active and forceful approach to resolving the problem.

contended with a setback

Highlights the negative impact of the problem and the effort to overcome it.

resolved an adversity

Focuses on the successful outcome of overcoming a challenging situation.

encountered a snag

Presents the problem as a minor, unexpected hindrance.

FAQs

What does "confronted a problem" mean?

The phrase "confronted a problem" means to face and deal with a difficult situation or challenge. It implies a direct engagement with the issue.

What can I say instead of "confronted a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "addressed an issue", "tackled a challenge", or "faced a difficulty" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "confronted a problem" or "faced a problem"?

Both "confronted a problem" and "faced a problem" are correct. "Confronted" suggests a more active and direct approach to dealing with the issue, while "faced" is more neutral.

How do I use "confronted a problem" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The company "confronted a problem" with declining sales by launching a new marketing campaign."