face the difficulty squarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the difficulty squarely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to confront challenges or obstacles directly and honestly. Example: "In order to overcome the challenges ahead, we must face the difficulty squarely and not shy away from the hard truths."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This view faces the difficulty raised above.

SEP

But it may be time to face the issue squarely.

The New York Times

Everyone in Beijing can see and smell the pollution and, yet, many seem reluctant to face the problem squarely.

The New York Times

So it's time for Australia to face the future squarely.

The Guardian - Opinion

In two-axis tracking systems, panels constantly face the sun squarely.

Huffington Post

(047) "I was a wreck, but when I left her office I could face the world squarely again.

BMJ Open

You need the correct perspective before you can face the situation squarely.

WikiHow

Stringer's approach has been to face the iPod dilemma squarely, and absorb whatever wisdom it provides.

The New Yorker

Face the other person squarely and look them in the eye those things are important.

Forbes

Asa remembers that his immigrant father faced the world squarely as a foe.

The New Yorker

Instead of facing the problem squarely, they pretended it did not exist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face the difficulty squarely", ensure the context emphasizes honesty and directness in addressing the problem. Avoid using it in situations where a more nuanced or subtle approach is required.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "face the difficulty squarely" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "deal with it directly" or "be honest about the problem" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the difficulty squarely" functions as a directive, urging direct and honest confrontation of a problem. Despite the limited examples available, Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability, suggesting its role in conveying a straightforward approach.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face the difficulty squarely" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advocate for direct and honest confrontation of challenges. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is currently limited in the provided data. The phrase is best suited for neutral to professional contexts, emphasizing proactive and transparent problem-solving. Consider alternatives like "confront the difficulty head-on" or "address the difficulty directly" in different registers. When using this phrase, ensure the situation calls for forthrightness and clarity, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Meet the challenge squarely

Similar to the original phrase, but uses 'meet' instead of 'face'.

Confront the difficulty head-on

Emphasizes a direct and immediate approach to the challenge.

Take on the difficulty directly

Focuses on accepting and actively engaging with the problem.

Address the difficulty directly

Focuses on dealing with the problem without evasion.

Tackle the difficulty honestly

Highlights the importance of being truthful and sincere when addressing the issue.

Come to grips with the difficulty

Highlights the need to understand and accept the challenge before addressing it.

Grasp the nettle

An idiom suggesting a bold approach to a difficult or unpleasant situation.

Deal with the difficulty straightforwardly

Emphasizes simplicity and lack of complication in the approach.

Acknowledge and address the difficulty

Focuses on first recognizing and then dealing with the problem.

Grapple with the difficulty

Suggests a more involved and potentially prolonged effort to overcome the challenge.

FAQs

What does "face the difficulty squarely" mean?

It means to address a problem or challenge directly, honestly, and without avoiding the difficult aspects. It suggests a forthright and determined approach to handling a tough situation.

Are there more formal alternatives to "face the difficulty squarely"?

While "face the difficulty squarely" is already quite formal, you could use phrases like "address the challenge head-on with integrity" or "confront the issue directly and ethically" for even greater emphasis on formality.

When is it appropriate to use "face the difficulty squarely"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize the importance of honesty and directness in resolving a problem, especially when the problem is complex or sensitive. It fits well in professional, academic, or serious discussions.

What are some less formal ways to say "face the difficulty squarely"?

Less formal alternatives include "deal with it directly", "be honest about the problem", or "tackle it head on". These options are suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing.