face problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or difficulties that someone encounters in various situations. Example: "When starting a new business, it is common to face problems related to funding and market competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We may face problems in the future".

The New York Times

We face problems we're not admitting".

The New York Times

They face problems with both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now they face problems refinancing that debt.

The Guardian - Business

But Burma's movie-goers face problems other than censorship.

Independent

Most of the women having a caesarean face problems financially.

The Guardian

Should you face problems, the authors offer this advice.

The New York Times

Smiley's two-legged characters face problems of their own.

The New York Times - Books

If they get it wrong, the UK could face problems.

The Guardian

Many will be in negative equity and face problems remortgaging.

The Guardian - Money

Sometimes, students face problems from their own governments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face problems", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is encountering the difficulties. Providing specific details about the nature of the problems enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "faces problems" without specifying the nature of those problems. Vague statements lack impact and leave the reader uninformed. Always provide context and details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face problems" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of encountering or confronting difficulties. Ludwig examples show it used to describe challenges in diverse situations from business to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face problems" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe encountering difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral tone. Consider alternatives like "encounter difficulties" or "confront challenges" for nuanced expression. When using "face problems", be specific about the nature of the problems for greater impact. The phrase has a neutral register and aims to inform the audience about the existence of difficulties or challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter difficulties

Focuses on the act of encountering, highlighting the experience of running into issues.

confront challenges

Emphasizes the need to actively address difficult situations.

experience issues

A more general way of stating that problems are occurring.

meet with obstacles

Highlights the presence of impediments or obstructions.

run into snags

Uses a more informal term "snags" for minor problems or hitches.

navigate difficulties

Emphasizes skill needed to manoeuvre around problems.

deal with setbacks

Focuses on handling temporary impediments to progress.

grapple with complexities

Highlights the struggle and difficulty of managing intricate issues.

struggle against adversity

Emphasizes battling against unfavorable conditions.

be beset by troubles

Highlights being troubled or persistently afflicted by problems.

FAQs

How can I use "face problems" in a sentence?

You can use "face problems" to describe situations where someone or something encounters difficulties. For example, "Startups often "face problems" related to funding and scaling."

What are some alternatives to "face problems"?

Alternatives include "encounter difficulties", "confront challenges", or "experience issues" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "face problems" or "encounter problems"?

Both "face problems" and "encounter problems" are correct and generally interchangeable. "Encounter" might suggest a more passive experience, while "face" can imply a more active confrontation of the issues.

What's the difference between "face problems" and "solve problems"?

"Face problems" describes the experience of encountering difficulties, while "solve problems" refers to the act of finding solutions to those difficulties. You "face problems" first, then you try to "solve problems".