face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it when referring to the front part of a person's head or in metaphorical expressions related to confronting challenges or situations. Example: "She had a look of determination on her face as she prepared for the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Face it".

The New York Times

They have had enough of career politicians in three parties who don't even understand the problems they face in their everyday lives.

The Guardian

Referred to in court as D, she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.

The Guardian

"We lose core user after core user by not addressing simple trolling issues that they face every day".

The Guardian - Tech

Accept it or face the consequences.

The New York Times

We have already put actions in place to address some of the issues they face.

The Guardian

The vast majority of these decisions face no public scrutiny, though they shape public discourse.

The Guardian - Tech

Shad made his overture: "I'm gay, and when Prop. 8 passed, last year, it was a huge slap in the face for me.

The Economist

(Saying that, if you had that face and figure you'd look good in a bin-liner. I'm now trying to remember if she ever wore a bin-liner).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"During this depression, when the spirit of the people is lower than at any other time, it is a splendid thing that, for just 15 cents, an American can go to a movie and look at the smiling face of a baby and forget his troubles," Franklin D Roosevelt stated in 1935, referring to the world's biggest and littlest star.

The Guardian - Film

Fielding didn't labour for 30 years at the chalk face to render his pupils illiterate and innumerate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face" to mean 'deal with,' ensure the context clearly indicates a challenge or problem being addressed. For example, "Face the music" is more impactful than simply saying "Deal with the music".

Common error

Avoid using "face" in passive constructions where the active voice would be more direct and impactful. Instead of "Problems are faced by the company", prefer "The company faces problems".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "face" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the front part of the head. As a verb, it means to confront or deal with something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Travel

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "face" is a versatile term that functions both as a noun and a verb, as confirmed by Ludwig. As a noun, it refers to the front part of the head, while as a verb, it means to confront or deal with something. This analysis, supported by numerous examples in Ludwig, reveals that it’s grammatically correct and frequently used across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports. Whether you're describing someone's appearance or discussing how to address a challenge, "face" remains a valuable and adaptable part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facial appearance

Focuses specifically on the physical look of the face.

facial expression

Highlights the emotions conveyed through the face.

visage

A more formal or literary term for face.

countenance

Refers to the face as an indicator of mood or character.

deal with

When "face" is used as a verb, this alternative emphasizes handling a situation.

confront

Similar to "deal with", but implies a more direct approach to a challenge.

front

Referring to the forward part or surface of something.

surface

A more general term for the outer layer or appearance.

have the audacity

Replaces the idiom of having the "face" to do something.

meet

In the context of facing a challenge, this alternative indicates encountering it.

FAQs

How can I use "face" in a sentence?

You can use "face" as a noun referring to the front part of the head (e.g., "She has a beautiful face") or as a verb meaning to confront or deal with (e.g., "You need to face your fears").

What are some synonyms for "face" when referring to appearance?

When referring to appearance, you can use synonyms like "visage", "countenance", or "facial features".

What does it mean to "lose face"?

To "lose face" means to suffer a loss of respect or prestige in the eyes of others. It implies a social or professional embarrassment.

How is "face" used as a verb in professional settings?

In professional settings, "face" often means to confront or address a challenge. For example, "The company must "address" the market changes or the team must "tackle" the new technical issues.