face to face with something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face to face with something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone is interacting with an entity, usually a person, but it could also be an object or abstract concept. For example: "John found himself face to face with his biggest fear" or "She was face to face with a dilemma".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Because it is night, though, I often find myself face to face with something out of the ordinary that keeps it interesting.

The New York Times

To watch David Hoyle on stage – his mouth a nasty gash, his eyes two deep wounds – is to find yourself face to face with something unpredictable and unforgettable.

The Guardian

THE new Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History brings us face to face with something commensurate to our capacity for wonder.

The New York Times - Arts

It was the last time in history that we came face to face with something commensurate to our capacity for wonder.

The Guardian

What has happened to Jake is worse than anyone can imagine, as Annie discovers when she is called out to a remote smallholding on the moors, where she comes face to face with something straight from folklore… Denby's hair-raising novel manifests our most primordial fears in an authentic contemporary setting.

The Guardian - Books

"I had just been brought face to face with something I had either forgotten or completely ignored for more than six exciting years - my black skin... Disappointment and resentment were a solid bitter rising lump inside me; I hurried into the nearest public lavatory and was violently sick".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Engaging face to face with customers is something we are very excited about – and about 'The Blogger's Lounge', which will offer fashion bloggers and press somewhere to have a quiet cup of tea and write.

Independent

As I strip down, I'm naked from the waist up and face to face with a 30-something guy.

Huffington Post

I also believe that we aren't doing our daughters any favors by attempting to squash their thoughts and feelings about beauty, to lock it all away in a cupboard and brush it under the rug, expecting that they will know what to do when they inevitably come face to face with a world that is obsessed with something they were denied and hidden away from.

Huffington Post

Whenever I come face to face with wildlife, especially in when it is something like a family of elephants, it strikes me how we depend on euphemistic terms to soften the truth.

Huffington Post

And if that same person traveled 500 miles that very day, to stand face to face with you, eye to eye, to express something to you from the depths of her heart.... Hey Bobby (thats awfully informal) there's this lady outside who wants to tell you something.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face to face with something" when you want to emphasize a direct, personal encounter, especially when the 'something' is unexpected or impactful. For instance, "The explorer came face to face with a rare species."

Common error

Avoid using "face to face with something" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where a physical encounter is implied but not actually present. For example, instead of saying "The project was face to face with failure", consider a more suitable phrase like "The project was on the brink of failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face to face with something" functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier. It typically describes the circumstances of an encounter, emphasizing the direct and personal nature of the experience. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this function in both literal and somewhat figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face to face with something" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a direct, personal encounter. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds common usage in a range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and descriptive writing. The phrase conveys immediacy and impact, suitable for both formal and informal scenarios, as presented by Ludwig, it's crucial to avoid misusing it in abstract contexts where a physical meeting is implied, as highlighted in the usage guidance. Its alternatives, like "confronted by something", offer nuanced ways to express similar encounters, but "face to face with something" emphasizes the personal aspect and the unexpected nature of the experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being confronted with

Highlights the passive reception of a challenging or difficult experience.

encountering something directly

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of intermediaries in the experience.

directly experiencing something

Focuses on the unmediated nature of the experience.

confronted by something

Focuses on the act of being challenged or opposed by something.

confronting a situation

Specifically refers to actively addressing a particular set of circumstances.

meeting something head-on

Emphasizes a direct and proactive approach to dealing with something.

meeting an entity

Broadly refers to encountering an organization or body as an active participant.

coming up against something

Highlights the experience of encountering an obstacle or difficulty.

coming into contact with

Emphasizes physical or conceptual interaction with something.

in the presence of something

Indicates being in the same location or time as something, often implying awe or respect.

FAQs

How can I use "face to face with something" in a sentence?

You can use "face to face with something" to describe a direct encounter or confrontation. For example, "The negotiator came "face to face with something" he had never experienced before during the intense negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "face to face with something"?

Alternatives include "confronted by something", "meeting something head-on", or "coming up against something" depending on the specific context.

Is "face to face with something" formal or informal?

"Face to face with something" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it might be more impactful in narrative or descriptive writing.

How does "face to face with something" differ from "faced with something"?

"Face to face with something" implies a direct and personal encounter, whereas "faced with something" simply indicates that someone is dealing with a situation or challenge. The former suggests a more immediate and perhaps startling experience.