face the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of confronting a difficult challenge. For example, "John had a hard time facing the question of what he should do with his future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinicians often face the question of "whether cysts heal nonsurgically".

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Archivists also face the question of which video format should be used for permanent storage.

The New York Times - Arts

Parents with two children regularly face the question of which rear seats the children should use.

The New York Times

Even if that decision did not trouble them, they would face the question of when to initiate Article 50.

University of California, Berkeley

Those who do decide to marry a second time face the question of which date to celebrate as an anniversary.

The New York Times

But that still seems too expensive to many.Then, we face the question of how to pay for these subsidies.

The Economist

The U.S. needs to regain its self-confidence and make Beijing face the question: Who needs whom more?

The New York Times

The company's top managers had to face the question of how to apply their ethical standards in such cases.

MIT Technology Review

The team will face the question of whether or not they used up too much energy here.

The New York Times - Sports

VIEW Investors face the question of how Microsoft will perform now that a breakup has been ordered.

The New York Times

Designers also face the question of how to express new technologies like hybrid or fuel-cell powertrains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the question" to introduce a significant problem or decision that needs to be addressed. For example, "The company must face the question of how to reduce its carbon footprint."

Common error

Avoid using "face the question" for minor or insignificant issues. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where a genuine challenge or important decision is involved. Instead of saying, "We face the question of what to have for lunch", consider a simpler alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the question" functions as a verb phrase where "face" acts as a transitive verb taking "the question" as its direct object. It serves to highlight the act of confronting or addressing a specific inquiry or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face the question" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the act of confronting an important issue or decision. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in news articles, scientific publications, and academic discussions, highlighting its adaptability across various formal contexts. When choosing alternatives like "address the question" or "confront the question", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While generally neutral in register, "face the question" is best reserved for significant challenges rather than trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address the question

Uses a different verb to describe handling the question, implying a direct engagement with it.

confront the question

Implies a more challenging or difficult encounter with the question.

tackle the question

Suggests dealing with the question in a practical and determined way.

grapple with the question

Indicates a struggle or intense effort to understand and resolve the question.

consider the question

Focuses on thoughtful examination and evaluation of the question.

examine the question

Suggests a detailed and careful investigation of the question.

explore the question

Implies an open-minded inquiry and search for answers to the question.

deal with the question

Focuses on handling or managing the question in a practical manner.

resolve the question

Emphasizes finding a solution or answer to the question.

ponder the question

Suggests deep and reflective thinking about the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "face the question" to describe confronting a challenge or decision. For example, "The government must face the question of how to fund healthcare reforms."

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

You can use alternatives like "address the question", "confront the question", or "tackle the question" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "face the question" or "address the question"?

"Face the question" implies confronting something challenging, while "address the question" suggests dealing with it directly. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "face the question"?

Use "face the question" when referring to a significant issue or decision that requires attention and potentially involves difficulty or conflict. It is suitable for formal and serious contexts.