face major

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face major" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express encountering significant challenges or issues, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "We will face major challenges in the upcoming project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nurseries said they face major financial losses.

The Guardian

They rarely face major medical expenses.

The New York Times

Ecosystems and communities face major changes with palm oil expansion.

Yale University

But now we face major competition from non-Papuan migrants".

The Guardian

When he takes office, Mr. Obama will face major challenges.

The New York Times

In reality, such a project would face major practical obstacles.

The Guardian

But such a move would face major political obstacles.

The Washington Post

Many incumbents still face major roadblocks in their digitization journeys.

Harvard Business Review

Midwifery students face major challenges in adapting quickly and effectively to different clinical settings.

Nurse Education Today

Academics and policy makers seeking to deconstruct landscape face major challenges conceptually, methodologically and institutionally.

Journal of Environmental Management

Cespedes is a highly touted talent who has yet to face major league pitching.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "face major" in formal writing. Opt for more grammatically correct alternatives like "encounter significant challenges" or "confront serious problems".

Common error

The word "major" is typically used as an adjective, but it requires a noun to modify. Using "face major" without specifying what is being faced is grammatically incorrect. Replace it with a noun phrase, such as "face major challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face major" functions as a verb phrase, where "face" is the verb and "major" acts as an adjective, though incorrectly modifying an implied noun. Despite its frequent use, Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "face major" is frequently used, especially in news and media, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI marks it as such, advising against its use in formal contexts. Instead, opt for alternatives like "encounter significant challenges" or "confront serious problems" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. The prevalence of "face major" in informal contexts suggests it is understood, but adhering to correct grammar enhances credibility in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter significant challenges

Emphasizes the act of meeting or running into difficulties.

confront serious problems

Highlights the act of dealing directly with problems that are grave.

experience significant difficulties

Focuses on the personal or organizational experience of hardships.

deal with major obstacles

Stresses the process of handling or overcoming substantial impediments.

navigate substantial hurdles

Implies skillful management in overcoming obstacles.

tackle considerable issues

Suggests an approach that is direct and forceful when handling issues.

grapple with substantial challenges

Indicates a struggle or close engagement with the challenges.

undergo critical trials

Highlights the process of being subjected to severe tests or hardships.

be beset by significant problems

Focuses on the condition of being persistently troubled or attacked by problems.

run into serious difficulties

Simply indicates an incidental meeting with difficulties.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "face major"?

Instead of "face major", you can use phrases like "encounter significant challenges", "confront serious problems", or "experience significant difficulties" for clearer and more grammatically correct expression.

Is "face major" grammatically correct?

No, "face major" is not grammatically correct. It's better to say "face major challenges" or use a similar phrase like "deal with major obstacles" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

How can I use "encounter significant challenges" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter significant challenges" in a sentence like: "The company may encounter significant challenges as it expands into new markets".

What is the difference between "face major challenges" and "have major challenges"?

"Face major challenges" implies actively confronting difficulties, while "have major challenges" suggests possessing or experiencing them. The former is about the action of addressing issues, whereas the latter is about the state of experiencing them. You can also consider using "navigate substantial hurdles" for a similar meaning.