face a dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'face a dilemma' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when a person has to choose between two difficult alternatives. For example: "Faced with a dilemma regarding which college to attend, Sandra had to weigh the pros and cons of each carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Autocrats face a dilemma.

Electoral Studies

But they face a dilemma.

The Economist

Yet they face a dilemma.

The Economist

Republicans face a dilemma.

The Guardian - Opinion

So they face a dilemma.

The New York Times

MAKERS of solar cells face a dilemma.

The Economist

In Kentucky, officials face a dilemma.

Independent

So European leaders face a dilemma.

The Economist

Corporations, therefore, face a dilemma.

Harvard Business Review

They now face a dilemma.

The Guardian

Officials in Brussels face a dilemma, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face a dilemma", ensure that the context clearly presents two or more conflicting choices or undesirable outcomes. This highlights the complexity and challenge inherent in the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "face a dilemma" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "quandary", "predicament", or "difficult choice" to maintain reader engagement and stylistic flair.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a dilemma" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It signifies the act of confronting a situation that involves choosing between two or more unfavorable options. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face a dilemma" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe encountering a situation where one must choose between difficult options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. With a neutral register, it fits well across various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While widely applicable, it's essential to vary your language to prevent overuse, considering synonyms like "face a quandary" or "face a predicament". Remember, the essence of "face a dilemma" lies in the inherent conflict and challenging decision-making it implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face a quandary

Replaces "dilemma" with "quandary", suggesting a perplexing and difficult situation or problem.

be on the horns of a dilemma

Employs a more vivid and traditional idiom to describe being caught between two equally undesirable options.

face a predicament

Substitutes "dilemma" with "predicament", implying a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

find oneself in a difficult position

Offers a more formal and descriptive way of expressing the experience of facing a dilemma.

face a difficult choice

Replaces "dilemma" with a more descriptive phrase highlighting the challenging nature of the decision.

be presented with a tough decision

Focuses on the act of making a decision, highlighting its difficulty and importance.

encounter a conflict

Uses "conflict" instead of "dilemma", suggesting a clash between opposing interests or principles.

confront a problem

Replaces the concept of a dilemma with a more general "problem", indicating a challenge that needs to be addressed.

grapple with a challenge

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in dealing with a difficult situation rather than just the choice itself.

be in a bind

Uses an idiom to describe being in a difficult situation with limited options.

FAQs

How to use "face a dilemma" in a sentence?

Use "face a dilemma" when you want to express that someone is in a situation where they have to choose between two or more difficult options. For example, "The company executives "face a dilemma" about whether to cut costs or invest in new technology".

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

You can use alternatives like "face a quandary", "face a predicament", or "face a difficult choice depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "face a dilemma" or "facing a dilemma"?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Face a dilemma" is the base form, often used in general statements, while "facing a dilemma" is the present participle form, used to describe an ongoing situation. For example: "Many companies "face a dilemma" when trying to balance profits with environmental responsibility." and "The manager is currently "facing a dilemma" regarding how to handle the employee dispute".

What's the difference between "face a dilemma" and "encounter a problem"?

"Face a dilemma" specifically implies a choice between undesirable outcomes, while "encounter a problem" is a more general term that simply means to come across a difficulty. A dilemma always involves a decision, while a problem may or may not.