face an opponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face an opponent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, competitions, or any situation where one person or team confronts another. Example: "In the championship game, our team will face an opponent that has been undefeated all season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

You face an opponent experts say can't be beat.

The New York Times

Or, he may face an opponent who is better prepared.

The New York Times

Specifically, does LBD become more effective when agents face an opponent who exhibits optimal decision making?

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

It notes that in hockey games, you can "face an opponent experts say can't be beat".

The New York Times

After New England, they do not face an opponent with a winning record.

The New York Times - Sports

They will advance as group champions, and will face an opponent to be determined in the quarterfinals Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Especially when facing an opponent engaged in open civil war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shorten found himself facing an opponent easier to grapple with.

The Guardian

Apple has never faced an opponent with such a vastly different strategy.

The New York Times - Tech

— For the second straight playoff series, the Rangers are facing an opponent playing just like them.

The New York Times - Sports

Khan faces an opponent who can't punch, Mitchell one who most certainly can.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face an opponent" to clearly indicate a direct confrontation or competition. It's suitable for both literal (sports, games) and figurative (politics, business) contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, consider stronger verbs like "confront" or "challenge" in highly formal or academic writing to add emphasis and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face an opponent" acts as a verb phrase, often functioning as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of confronting or competing against someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. For example, "They will advance as group champions, and will face an opponent to be determined in the quarterfinals Friday."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face an opponent" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe confronting or competing against someone. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register. When writing, remember that while the phrase is generally appropriate, stronger verbs like "confront" might be preferable in very formal contexts. Related phrases like "compete against a rival" and "go up against a challenger" can offer more specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront an adversary

Emphasizes the adversarial nature of the encounter.

compete against a rival

Highlights the competitive aspect of the situation.

go up against a challenger

Focuses on the challenge presented by the opponent.

meet a contender

Suggests a formal or scheduled encounter.

oppose a foe

Emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the relationship.

take on a competitor

Highlights the act of actively engaging with the opponent.

battle an adversary

Implies a more intense and prolonged confrontation.

contend with a rival

Stresses the effort required to overcome the opponent.

play against an opposing team

Specifically refers to sports or games.

be pitted against a competitor

Suggests an external force arranging the confrontation.

FAQs

How can I use "face an opponent" in a sentence?

You can use "face an opponent" in various contexts, such as "The boxer will face an opponent in the ring tonight" or "The company will face an opponent in the market with a new product".

What does it mean to "face an opponent"?

To "face an opponent" means to confront or compete against someone or something, whether in a physical contest, a business competition, or a political debate.

Which is more appropriate, "face an opponent" or "confront an adversary"?

"Face an opponent" is generally neutral, while "confront an adversary" suggests a more hostile or antagonistic relationship. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "face an opponent"?

Alternatives include "compete against a rival", "go up against a challenger", or "meet a contender", depending on the nuance you want to convey.