face adversity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face adversity" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of overcoming obstacles and challenges in life. For example, "She had to face adversity as she worked her way up the corporate ladder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He tries to create adverse situations in practice and everything we do because if we face adversity like we did down early in this game, we can battle back".

The New York Times - Sports

"Being mentally tough when you face adversity," Thibodeau said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That is a real example of how to face adversity".

Independent

"We understand how to face adversity and suck it up".

The New York Times

"But we face adversity and we don't moan about it".

Independent

When we face adversity, you think freshmen would have a problem.

The New York Times - Sports

But should helping children face adversity be the main goal of children's literature?

The New York Times

That ability to face adversity with humor did not miraculously appear after the stock market debacle.

The New York Times

They've given us all a lesson of how to face adversity in life and football".

The Guardian - Sport

You are the people who taught me how to face adversity head on, and for that I am beyond grateful.

The New Yorker

There were promises to "stay strong" and "face adversity" but no real insight into what might have been done better.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "face adversity", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific challenges or difficulties being encountered. Providing concrete examples enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "face adversity" as a general statement without providing specific details about the challenges involved. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, specify the nature of the adversity to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face adversity" functions as a verb phrase, where "face" is a transitive verb and "adversity" is its object. It describes the act of confronting difficult or challenging circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used expression. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate how it's used in various contexts to describe different types of struggles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Huffington Post

11%

The Guardian - TV & Radio

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face adversity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of confronting difficult situations. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is valid in written English and is used to describe dealing with obstacles and challenges. Predominantly found in the news and media, it is a neutral expression suitable for many contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the specific challenges or difficulties being encountered and avoid generic overuse. Consider alternatives like ""confront challenges"" or ""overcome obstacles"" to provide nuanced meaning where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise above adversity

Implies not just facing, but also transcending the negative impact of difficult situations.

confront challenges

Replaces "adversity" with "challenges", softening the sense of severe difficulty. Confront implies a direct approach.

overcome obstacles

Focuses on successfully surpassing difficulties, rather than just encountering them. "Obstacles" are specific impediments.

deal with hardship

"Hardship" emphasizes the difficult conditions one must endure, while "deal with" suggests managing the situation.

brave difficulties

Highlights courage and resilience when dealing with challenges.

weather the storm

An idiomatic expression indicating endurance through a turbulent period, implying a temporary but intense difficulty.

grapple with difficulties

"Grapple" suggests a struggle or a close engagement with problems, emphasizing the effort required to manage them.

endure trials

Emphasizes the act of patiently bearing hardship over a period of time, framing adversity as a test of resilience.

handle setbacks

Focuses specifically on dealing with obstacles that delay progress or reverse gains.

meet with misfortune

Highlights the experience of encountering bad luck or unfavorable circumstances, shifting the focus to the external forces at play.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "face adversity" in a sentence?

To effectively use "face adversity", provide context about the type of challenges being faced. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, the company continued to "face adversity" with innovative solutions" is more impactful than simply saying "They "face adversity"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "face adversity"?

Alternatives include "confront challenges", "deal with hardship", or "overcome obstacles", each carrying slightly different nuances. The best choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "faced adversity" instead of "face adversity"?

Yes, "faced adversity" is grammatically correct and represents the past tense of the verb phrase. It describes instances where someone encountered and dealt with difficult circumstances in the past.

What's the difference between "face adversity" and "overcome adversity"?

"Face adversity" implies encountering and dealing with difficult situations, while "overcome adversity" suggests successfully surmounting those challenges. The latter emphasizes triumph and resilience.