face of the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face of the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the visible or apparent aspects of an issue that need to be addressed or considered. Example: "When discussing climate change, we must confront the face of the problem, which includes rising temperatures and extreme weather events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That frees you to take action, however humble, in the face of the problem.

University of California, Berkeley

"I have said since I first announced my candidacy in January that Tom Gulotta is only the face of the problem," he said.

The New York Times

When the White House contacted her organization looking for people who might represent the face of the problem, Dianis provided them with several possibilities.

The Washington Post

The human face of the problem can be seen in the villas miserias (slums), where Microjusticia supports residents to get their papers in order.

The Guardian

Subjectivists aren't thereby entirely helpless in the face of the problem of induction, though.

SEP

In the face of the problem of evil, some philosophers and theologians deny that God is all-powerful and all-knowing.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But analysts called the measures too timid in the face of the problems plaguing Japan's export-oriented economy.

The New York Times

In the face of the problems besetting the country, it seems everyone is reliving the sense of "national unity" that marked the old elections.

The Guardian - Books

Forbes: Sounds strong even in the face of the problems that are there.

Forbes

In the face of this problem, birth control was regarded as important by many countries.

BioMed Research International

Nevertheless, in the face of those problems, people in the industry express confident optimism.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face of the problem" when you want to highlight the visible or most prominent aspect of an issue that needs to be addressed. It's particularly effective when introducing a concrete example or representative of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "face of the problem" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "aspect of the problem" or "core issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face of the problem" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, often serving to highlight a specific element or aspect of a more extensive issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in various contexts to emphasize the most visible or pressing part of a problem.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face of the problem" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the most visible or obvious aspect of a given issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears across diverse domains, including News & Media, Science, Academia, Formal & Business, and Encyclopedias, denoting a neutral to professional register. While not exceedingly common, with a 'rare' frequency, its usage is well-established, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. Related phrases may alter the focus slightly, but the core meaning remains relatively constant. When employing this phrase, writers should aim to emphasize the key element representing a broader challenge, as well as avoid repetition by strategically using synonyms such as "aspect of the problem" or "core issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aspect of the problem

Focuses on a specific part of the issue rather than the overall presentation.

Challenge presented by the problem

Highlights the difficulty or obstacle that the problem poses.

Issue at hand

Emphasizes the immediate problem needing attention.

Difficulty encountered

Stresses the experience of facing a problem.

Core of the problem

Identifies the central, most important part of the issue.

Underlying problem

Focuses on the root cause, which may not be immediately obvious.

Nature of the difficulty

Explores the characteristics and qualities of the problem.

Scale of the problem

Emphasizes the magnitude or extent of the problem.

Scope of the issue

Highlights the range or area that the problem affects.

Problem's manifestation

Describes how the problem appears or becomes evident.

FAQs

How can I use "face of the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "face of the problem" to describe the most apparent or visible aspect of a challenge. For example, "Rising unemployment is the "face of the problem" facing the new government".

What's a good alternative to "face of the problem"?

Alternatives include "aspect of the problem", "core issue", or "main challenge". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For instance, "aspect of the problem" focuses on a specific element, while core issue addresses the central difficulty.

Is it appropriate to use "face of the problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "face of the problem" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing complex issues in reports, analyses, or academic papers. However, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What does "face of the problem" imply?

"Face of the problem" suggests the most visible or easily recognizable part of a larger, more complex issue. It often highlights the immediate symptoms or manifestations rather than the underlying causes. Understanding the implications of "face of the problem" is crucial for effective problem-solving.