face it squarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face it squarely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to confront a situation or issue directly and honestly. Example: "In order to move forward, you need to face it squarely and acknowledge the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We avoided dealing with the issue in September; this time, we need to face it squarely.

The New York Times

And nothing was denied as vigorously as death, though he knew from a brush with it when he was 48 that to face it squarely was also to draw from it life-affirming strength.

The Economist

The smaller the problem, the easier it is to face it squarely.Moreover, the report concludes that Sweden's recovery owed more to a buoyant world economy than to a revival of the banks.

The Economist

On the contrary, they face it squarely and attempt to make do entirely with an ontology of concrete objects, finitely many such objects in fact.

SEP

They must face it squarely.

Huffington Post

Fear grows whenever we refuse to face it squarely.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although the danger of paternalism always accompanies that point of view, Bok faces it squarely: lawmakers using the findings of happiness research "are relying on persuasive evidence of what will make constituents happy instead of accepting what people mistakenly think will promote their well-being".

The New York Times - Books

This is our legacy, our history, and we have never needed to talk about it, facing it squarely and feeling it viscerally, more than we do now.

Los Angeles Times

An ad for the Chrysler 300 is an extended quotation from a poem that ends, "When you're up against a trouble, meet it squarely, face to face.

The Guardian - Business

Whether or not Scott understood Zelda's tragedy, he saw pretty clearly what was happening to him, and, with his writer's honesty, he faced up to it squarely in his portrait of Dick Diver.

The New Yorker

At one point, describing Connery's death in the little-known Family Business (1989), he cries "Which of us can quite conceive of a world without Sean Connery in it?" He faces up to it squarely: "Sean Connery will one day die.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face it squarely" to encourage a direct, honest approach to challenges. It conveys a sense of courage and realism.

Common error

Don't soften the phrase with vague language. "Face it squarely" is meant to convey directness, so avoid substituting it with gentler, less impactful alternatives if you want to maintain the original intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face it squarely" functions as an idiomatic expression, commonly used as an imperative to encourage someone to confront a problem or challenge directly and honestly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face it squarely" is a call to action, urging direct and honest confrontation with challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, though it appears most frequently in News & Media. Alternatives like "confront it directly" or "address it head-on" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, avoid softening it with euphemisms to maintain its intended impact. In essence, "face it squarely" is a powerful reminder to approach difficulties with courage and realism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront it directly

Emphasizes a more immediate and forceful approach compared to the original phrase.

address it head-on

Similar in intensity to "confront it directly", suggesting a proactive approach.

meet it head-on

Similar to "address it head-on", but with a slightly more combative tone.

tackle it directly

Implies a problem-solving approach, suggesting effort and strategy.

deal with it frankly

Focuses on honesty and openness in addressing the situation.

grapple with it honestly

Suggests a more intense and thoughtful engagement with the issue.

take it by the horns

An idiomatic expression implying a bold and assertive approach.

look it in the eye

A more figurative expression emphasizing courage and directness.

be real about it

Emphasizes authenticity and avoiding illusions when addressing the situation.

come to terms with it

Focuses on acceptance and understanding, rather than immediate action.

FAQs

How can I use "face it squarely" in a sentence?

You can use "face it squarely" to encourage a direct, honest approach to challenges. For example: "In order to move forward, you need to "face it squarely" and acknowledge the challenges ahead."

What does "face it squarely" mean?

"Face it squarely" means to confront a difficult situation or problem directly and honestly, without avoiding or ignoring it.

What can I say instead of "face it squarely"?

You can use alternatives like "confront it directly", "address it head-on", or "deal with it frankly" depending on the context.

Is it better to "face it squarely" or ignore it?

Generally, it's better to "face it squarely". Ignoring a problem often leads to it escalating. Addressing it directly allows you to find solutions and move forward.