face the same problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the same problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two or more people or groups are facing the same difficulty. For example: "The parents in our school district are all facing the same problem - how to make sure their children receive a quality education during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its replacement will face the same problem.

The Economist

The digital public library will face the same problem.

The New York Times - Tech

Other restaurants face the same problem in urban areas.

The New York Times

Other popular cities will face the same problem.

The Guardian

Terrestrial animals will increasingly face the same problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

We all face the same problem: lack of water".

The Guardian

Most people say Jim McGreevey will face the same problem.

The New York Times

We all face the same problem: understanding local issues.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many other women like her in the camp face the same problem, she explained.

Princeton University

Both sorts of funded schemes, DB and DC, essentially face the same problem.

The Economist

Yet 20 years after TCA was isolated, winemakers still face the same problem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face the same problem", ensure that the problem you're referring to has been clearly defined or is easily understood in the context. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "face the same problem" when "challenge" is more appropriate. A problem is a negative situation that needs to be addressed, while a challenge is an opportunity to overcome an obstacle and grow. Using them interchangeably can dilute your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the same problem" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating that multiple entities are experiencing the same difficulty or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face the same problem" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating a shared difficulty among multiple entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensure the problem is well-defined. While "face the same problem" is generally neutral, you can adapt it to different levels of formality by choosing appropriate synonyms like "encounter a similar issue" (formal) or "be in the same boat" (informal). Avoid confusing "problem" with "challenge" to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a similar issue

This alternative replaces "problem" with the more neutral "issue" and "face" with "encounter", softening the tone slightly.

confront a shared difficulty

"Shared difficulty" emphasizes the communal aspect of the problem, while "confront" suggests a more direct engagement.

experience a common challenge

"Challenge" frames the situation as a test of resilience, while "experience" offers a more passive perspective.

run into the same obstacle

This uses a more informal and visual metaphor, suggesting something blocking progress.

find themselves in a similar predicament

This alternative presents a more formal and passive framing of the shared challenge.

be in the same boat

This idiom emphasizes the shared situation and mutual dependence in facing the problem.

share a common struggle

"Struggle" intensifies the sense of difficulty and effort required to overcome the problem.

grapple with an identical issue

"Grapple" implies a more hands-on and active engagement with the problem, suggesting difficulty in finding a resolution.

contend with a parallel hardship

This alternative uses more formal and emphatic language, highlighting the severity of the problem.

be up against the same thing

This phrase uses a more colloquial term for problem; making the whole phrase informal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "face the same problem" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "encounter a similar issue" or "confront a shared difficulty". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Is there a more casual alternative to "face the same problem"?

Yes, you can use idioms such as "be in the same boat" or "be up against the same thing". These alternatives are suitable for informal conversations and writing.

What's the difference between "face the same problem" and "experience a common challenge"?

"Face the same problem" is a general way to express that different entities are dealing with the same issue. "Experience a common challenge" frames the situation more as a test of one's abilities and resilience, rather than simply stating a difficulty exists.

How to use "face the same problem" in a sentence?

You can use it like: "All the companies in this sector "face the same problem": declining sales." The phrase connects different entities through a shared issue.