face the real problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the real problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to confront or address an underlying issue or challenge directly. Example: "In order to move forward, we must face the real problem that has been holding us back."

✓ Grammatically correct

Poverty

Technology

Urban Development

Healthcare

Sports

Politics

Economics

International Relations

Business

Education

Manufacturing

Justice

Culture

Financial

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We also have to face the real problem, which, again, is persistent poverty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Franzen's target was, true to form, our "media-saturated, technology-crazed, apocalypse-haunted historical moment", populated by internet users too doped up on "enslavingly addictive" technoconsumerist products to "face the real problems" of the modern world.

The Guardian - Books

Hence, the capacity to face the real problems of the informal city, urban sprawl and the megacity, in other words, those emerging forms of settlement that today raise the greatest number of problems, has been backgrounded.

City, Territory and Architecture

However, during their clinical clerkships and residencies they switch to experiential learning as they begin to face the real problems of patients, an approach that differs fundamentally from what they acquire during their preclinical years [ 9, 10].

BMC Medical Education

Let's face it, the real problem with Costa is firstly that he stopped scoring goals eight months ago; and secondly that he has now also stopped resembling anything like a high-class central striker.

The Guardian - Sport

The MIT Corporation was praising him for doing the bidding of the US government rather than facing the real problems of poverty and injustice afflicting Colombians.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He has yet to make a convincing case that the real problem facing the Sheriff's Department was too many deputies facing too much discipline, or that constitutional policing advisors were running amok.

Los Angeles Times

And maybe then we will have the courage to face up to the real problem and deal with it.

Forbes

"He, and the media, will have to face the fact that the real problem is among the Democrats".

Huffington Post

This highlights the real problem facing the Syrian opposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

The real problem facing Europe in 1948 was fear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face the real problem" to introduce a discussion about the core issue at hand, especially after dismissing superficial concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "face the real problem" when you're only addressing surface-level symptoms; ensure you're genuinely tackling the root cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the real problem" functions as an idiomatic expression used to highlight the necessity of directly addressing a fundamental or critical issue, rather than superficial or related concerns. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face the real problem" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that emphasizes the necessity of addressing fundamental issues directly. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase serves to urge acknowledgment and engagement with significant issues, often after clarifying less critical aspects. To enhance your writing, use it to introduce discussions about core issues, avoiding its use when only addressing surface-level symptoms. Alternatives such as "confront the underlying issue" or "address the fundamental challenge" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront the underlying issue

This alternative focuses on addressing the foundational or root cause of a problem.

address the fundamental challenge

This alternative emphasizes dealing with a core difficulty or obstacle.

tackle the real issue head-on

This alternative conveys a sense of direct and assertive engagement with the problem.

grapple with the core problem

This suggests a more intense and effortful struggle to understand and resolve the central issue.

get to the heart of the matter

This alternative means to understand the most important part of a subject

come to grips with the actual problem

This alternative shows the process of understanding and beginning to deal with something.

recognize the elephant in the room

This alternative implies acknowledging an obvious but unaddressed problem.

own up to the root cause

This alternative means that to admit responsibility for something.

bite the bullet and deal with the actual issue

This means that you have to forced yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult.

accept the hard reality of the problem

This alternative means that recognize the true nature of something, especially when it is unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "face the real problem" in a sentence?

You can use "face the real problem" to introduce a core issue that needs addressing. For example, "To improve education, we must "face the real problem" of unequal funding".

What are some alternatives to "face the real problem"?

Alternatives include "confront the underlying issue", "address the fundamental challenge", or "tackle the real issue head-on".

When is it appropriate to use "face the real problem"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the need to confront the most significant or fundamental issue, rather than peripheral concerns.

What's the difference between "face the real problem" and "solve the problem"?

"Face the real problem" emphasizes acknowledging and confronting the actual issue, while "solve the problem" focuses on finding a resolution. You must first "face the real problem" before you can solve it.