face the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the action of confronting or accepting a new or challenging concept or thought. Example: "As she sat alone in her room, she couldn't bring herself to face the idea of starting a new job in a foreign country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I frankly cannot face the idea that it was not.

The Guardian - Books

I can't face the idea of going back to clinical practice.

The Guardian

I didn't want to face the idea of being a failed painter".

The New York Times

Researchers at GFDL were just beginning to face the idea that this carbon dioxide might be causing a greenhouse effect.

Princeton University

He would rather annihilate his world and himself than face the idea that another, valid reality exists.

The New Yorker

ON those occasions when I just can't face the idea of reviewing another restaurant, I escape -- to where?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Tanya is now facing the idea that she's going to have a national role," said Polly Carl, Steppenwolf's director of artistic development.

The New York Times

Not that I had not faced the idea of leadership before.

HuffPost

Then, as if I had reached the boss at the end of a video game level, I faced the idea of a 10 minute ab-ripping program.

Huffington Post

Aside from wheat addiction, giving up gluten is so difficult in part for those with celiac because it means facing the idea of never eating certain foods again.

Huffington Post

Even if the anecdote doesn't involve obvious contentment, such as my example above of the menial job, contentment can still lie in the student's reflection on the challenged faced, the idea learned, or the job well done.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the idea" when you want to convey a sense of challenge or reluctance in accepting a new concept or situation. For example, "She had to face the idea that her career was changing."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "face the idea" in situations that are inherently positive or welcome can sound awkward. For example, saying "I can't wait to face the idea of my vacation" doesn't quite fit; consider "embrace the idea" or "look forward to the idea" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the idea" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "face" acts as a transitive verb taking "the idea" as its object. It expresses the action of confronting or grappling with a specific concept or thought. Ludwig AI confirms this structure by illustrating varied examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face the idea" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the act of confronting or acknowledging a concept, often one that is challenging or initially resisted. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources indicates its usage is most common in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to consider the context to avoid inappropriate application. Alternatives like "confront the notion" or "grapple with the concept" may be more suitable depending on the intended meaning. When writing, be mindful that the phrase isn't inherently positive and should be used accordingly. The term sees some application across varied authoritative sources, and it shows a respectable frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront the notion

Replaces "idea" with "notion", emphasizing a more formal or abstract concept.

grapple with the concept

Uses "grapple with" to convey a struggle or effort in understanding.

accept the reality

Focuses on accepting something as true, particularly if it's unpleasant.

acknowledge the thought

Emphasizes recognizing and admitting a particular thought or consideration.

come to terms with the belief

Suggests a process of gradually accepting a belief or conviction.

deal with the prospect

Focuses on managing or addressing a future possibility or event.

confront the truth

Emphasizes facing a difficult or unwelcome truth.

contemplate the possibility

Suggests a thoughtful consideration of a potential outcome.

ponder the thought

Implies a deeper, more reflective consideration of the idea.

stomach the thought

Indicates that one is barely able to tolerate the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "face the idea" in a sentence?

Use "face the idea" to express confronting or accepting a challenging or difficult concept. Example: "He finally had to face the idea that his business might fail."

What's the difference between "accept the idea" and "face the idea"?

"Accept the idea" implies agreement or embracing a concept, while "face the idea" suggests confronting or reluctantly acknowledging it. The latter often carries a connotation of initial resistance or difficulty.

What can I say instead of "face the idea"?

You can use alternatives like "confront the notion", "grapple with the concept", or "accept the reality" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "face the idea"?

While "face the idea" often implies confronting something challenging, it isn't always negative. It can also mean accepting a new reality, whether positive or negative, after initial resistance.