face the plight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the plight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a difficult situation or struggle someone is facing, and the need for them to confront it head-on in order to overcome it. Example: Despite the hardships she had endured, she was determined to face the plight and reach her goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nixon transformed the Court from an institution that had begun to face the plight of the individual back into an institution that would uphold the power of the state.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The photos of Aylan's body being carried away by the Turkish police officer who found him sent shockwaves across social media, putting a face to the plight faced by millions of Syrian refugees who put their family's lives on the line in search of a normal existence.

Huffington Post

For unlike other villages across the country facing the plight of dwindling shops and services, coupled with declining populations and rising house prices, Woolsery (also known as Woolfardisworthy) is the unlikely beneficiary of the largesse, coupled with some business savvy, of Michael Birch, a laidback tech entrepreneur who lives in San Francisco.

The Guardian

The question of whether to live one's life or worry about the lives of others and even do something for them was particularly timely, having just faced the plight of so many around the world.

Huffington Post

Consider Stu Maddux's award-winning documentary, "Gen Silent," which garnered so much attention by putting a face on the plight of older members of our community.

The New York Times

Mr. George became the international face of the plight of ancient artifacts in Iraq, many of which have been stolen or destroyed since the war began in 2003, but left his job in August after telling colleagues that he felt threatened.

The New York Times

To put a face to the plight of the homeless in this country, video blog Invisible People documents the day-to-day struggles that come from living without shelter.

HuffPost

4. Give Homeless People A Voice To put a face to the plight of the homeless in this country, video blog Invisible People documents the day-to-day struggles that come from living without shelter.

Huffington Post

An Ed Miliband minority Labour government might face the same plight as William Gladstone's fourth premiership (1892-94).

The Guardian

He speculated that senior citizens may eventually face the same plight under Obamacare.

Forbes

But others face the same plight.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the plight" to emphasize the necessity of directly confronting a difficult and often widespread problem. It adds a sense of urgency and importance to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "face the plight" for minor inconveniences or everyday problems. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant hardship or widespread suffering, to maintain its impact and avoid trivializing genuine difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the plight" functions as a verb phrase where "face" is the transitive verb indicating the action of confronting something, and "the plight" serves as the direct object, representing the difficult situation or hardship being confronted. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face the plight" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe confronting a difficult situation or hardship. While relatively rare in overall usage, as confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of urgency and the need for direct action, particularly in contexts like news reporting and formal communications. Alternatives such as "confront the hardship" or "tackle the adversity" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, it is best to reserve it for situations of genuine suffering to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront the hardship

Focuses on directly addressing a difficult condition.

tackle the adversity

Emphasizes a proactive approach to overcoming difficulties.

address the predicament

Highlights the act of dealing with a difficult or dangerous situation.

grapple with the struggle

Suggests a more prolonged and intense effort to overcome difficulties.

contend with the issue

Implies dealing with a problem or point of disagreement.

meet the challenge

Focuses on the act of rising to a difficult task or situation.

brave the ordeal

Emphasizes courage in facing a painful or horrific experience.

weather the storm

Suggests enduring a period of difficulty or trouble.

overcome the difficulty

Focuses on successfully resolving a challenging situation.

bear the burden

Highlights the act of carrying a heavy load or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "face the plight" to describe someone confronting a difficult situation or widespread problem head-on. For example: "Despite the hardships, they decided to "face the plight" and work towards a solution."

What are some alternatives to "face the plight"?

Some alternatives include "confront the hardship", "tackle the adversity", or "address the predicament", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "face the plight"?

"Face the plight" is most appropriate when describing situations involving significant hardship, suffering, or widespread problems that require direct and determined action. Avoid using it for minor or trivial issues.

What's the difference between "face the plight" and "ignore the plight"?

"Face the plight" means to confront and address a difficult situation directly, while "ignore the plight" means to disregard or fail to acknowledge the suffering or hardship someone is experiencing. The former implies action, while the latter implies inaction or indifference.