face a challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"face a challenge" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it in all kinds of contexts, both formal and informal. For example, "The students faced a challenge when they had to work together despite their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You now face a challenge.

Yale University

New entrants face a challenge.

The New York Times

Libraries now face a challenge.

The New York Times

But factories like this face a challenge.

The New York Times

But they will face a challenge.

The Guardian

But park officials believe they face a challenge.

The New York Times

It could face a challenge in the constitutional court.

The Guardian

It isn't just newspaper sites that face a challenge.

The Guardian

After-treatment systems for diesel vehicles face a challenge for upcoming emission regulations.

Catalysis Today

But men also face a challenge to their sense of masculinity.

The New York Times - Health

But he may face a challenge if conservatives decline to rally behind him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "Face a challenge" is generally neutral; if you want to convey a stronger sense of difficulty, consider alternatives like "grapple with a problem" or "meet with adversity".

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is facing the challenge. Instead of "A challenge is faced", use the active voice: "They face a challenge". This makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a challenge" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where 'face' acts as a transitive verb taking 'a challenge' as its direct object. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is commonly used to describe encountering or confronting a difficult situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

21%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face a challenge" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that accurately describes the act of encountering a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, selecting related phrases like "encounter a hurdle" or "meet with adversity" can subtly shift the emphasis. To enhance clarity, provide specific details about the challenge and prioritize the active voice. With a predominant presence in news and media, and notable usage in scientific, academic, and formal settings, "face a challenge" serves as a functional and adaptable addition to your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a hurdle

This alternative highlights the presence of a specific obstacle, suggesting a more defined problem than just facing a general challenge.

confront an obstacle

This option conveys a more direct and forceful engagement with a barrier or impediment.

meet with adversity

This phrase implies facing hardship and unfavorable conditions, suggesting a more severe and prolonged difficulty.

deal with a difficulty

This alternative emphasizes the process of managing and resolving a problem, focusing on the action taken.

grapple with a problem

This option indicates a struggle to understand or overcome a complex issue.

navigate a difficulty

This suggests carefully maneuvering through a challenging situation, often requiring skill and strategy.

tackle an issue

This phrase implies addressing a problem head-on with determination and effort.

contend with a setback

This emphasizes the experience of encountering a reversal or delay in progress.

undergo a trial

This suggests enduring a period of hardship or testing, often with a sense of evaluation or judgment.

weather a storm

This idiom evokes the idea of surviving a turbulent and difficult period, implying resilience and endurance.

FAQs

How can I use "face a challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "face a challenge" to describe encountering a difficult situation that requires effort to overcome. For instance, "The company will "face a challenge" in adapting to the new regulations".

What can I say instead of "face a challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "encounter a hurdle", "confront an obstacle", or "deal with a difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "face a challenge" or "face challenges"?

The choice between "face a challenge" and "face challenges" depends on whether you are referring to a single, specific difficulty or multiple, varied difficulties. Use "face a challenge" for a singular issue and "face challenges" for multiple issues.

What's the difference between "face a challenge" and "present a challenge"?

"Face a challenge" means to encounter and need to overcome a difficulty. "Present a challenge" means to create or constitute a difficulty for someone else. For example, "The new project presented a challenge to the team, who now "face a challenge" to complete it on time".