face great odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face great odds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone is confronting significant challenges or difficulties. Example: "Despite the fact that they faced great odds, the team managed to pull off an incredible victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But many of the students face great odds.

The New York Times

So trust me when I tell you: In this election I face great odds as a woman representing a new generation of leadership.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In conflict and disaster zones worldwide preservationists face greats odds in saving cultural objects, but no one is giving up.

BBC

Child brides face greater odds of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, because they cannot advocate for safe sex practices.

Huffington Post

Although it faces great odds, the delegation represents one step in an attempt to get Mr. Saleh to agree to what he has repeatedly said he would accept — leaving power — only to repeatedly back off his word.

The New York Times

Mr. Earp, the local international representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, will be facing greater odds than his namesake did when he and Doc Holliday faced the Clanton gang.

The New York Times

I learned to face my fear and proudly advocate for my son even in the face of great odds against us.

Huffington Post

In the face of great odds for something he believed in my God, the odds they faced.

The New York Times

People keep hoping for the best, even in the face of great odds.

The New Yorker

In the face of great odds, we have been faithful and successful in building our families.

Huffington Post

In the face of great odds for something he believed in.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to highlight resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It underscores the significance of overcoming substantial obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "face great odds" when the challenges are relatively minor or easily overcome. Exaggerating the difficulty weakens the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face great odds" functions as a verb phrase, where "face" acts as the verb indicating confrontation and "great odds" serves as the object, signifying the significant challenges being encountered. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face great odds" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently encountered in news and formal business contexts and serves to emphasize substantial challenges. While not overly common, its usage effectively conveys the difficulty of a situation and often highlights the determination required to overcome it. Consider alternatives like "encounter significant challenges" or "confront considerable obstacles" to adjust the nuance. Remember to use the phrase when the odds are genuinely significant, and avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter significant challenges

This alternative focuses on the act of encountering difficulties, rather than the magnitude of the odds.

confront considerable obstacles

Emphasizes the obstacles themselves and the act of confronting them, shifting the focus from overall odds.

grapple with substantial difficulties

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in dealing with difficulties.

contend with formidable challenges

Suggests a more combative or competitive situation in overcoming the challenges.

navigate significant hurdles

Implies careful maneuvering and strategic planning to overcome obstacles.

deal with major setbacks

Focuses on the experience of setbacks and the need to manage them.

tackle tough challenges

Emphasizes a proactive approach to addressing difficult challenges.

weather significant storms

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea of enduring difficult times or situations.

endure considerable hardship

Highlights the suffering and resilience required to overcome difficulties.

struggle against adverse conditions

Focuses on the continuous effort and opposition faced in difficult circumstances.

FAQs

What does it mean to "face great odds"?

To "face great odds" means to confront a situation with significant challenges or difficulties, where the likelihood of success is low.

How can I use "face great odds" in a sentence?

You can use "face great odds" to describe someone or something confronting substantial obstacles. For example: "Despite facing great odds, the team persevered."

What are some alternatives to "face great odds"?

Alternatives include "encounter significant challenges", "confront considerable obstacles", or "grapple with substantial difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "face great odds" or "face greater odds"?

"Face great odds" generally refers to substantial, overarching challenges. "Face greater odds" implies a comparison, suggesting the challenges are larger than something previously faced. Which is better depends on the specific context.