face truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to confront or accept reality or facts, often in a difficult situation. Example: "It's time to face truth and acknowledge the mistakes we've made in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This double bind is distressing to contemplate, but, as Malthus advised his unhappy readers, "The most baleful mischiefs may be expected from the unmanly conduct of not daring to face truth because it is unpleasing".

The New Yorker

Maybe there is no true life or false life, no remembered or imagined itinerary, no projected or revisited moments, no worthy or wasted days, just as there is no such thing as mask or face, truth or lie, right or wrong answers.

The New York Times

Face truth.

Huffington Post

Can't face truth, but chases lies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Good movies can throw in our face truths we would rather dismiss or beliefs we would rather overlook or avoid.

The New York Times

If we are not shaking in our boots, we are not facing truth.

Huffington Post

By the end of the play, Alice and Edgar are facing truths that go beyond the particular facts of their marriage to the elemental facts of existence.

The New Yorker

All their beliefs about destiny and justice, all their rituals, injunctions, inhibitions and plain-as-the-nose-on-your-face truths: trash, irrelevant, wrong.

The New Yorker

I faced truths and fears and pain and found a way to let it all go.

Huffington Post

"Putin should face the truth".

The Guardian

And her unwillingness to face the truth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "face truth". It implies a moment of reckoning, suitable for situations where denial or avoidance has been present.

Common error

Avoid using "face truth" interchangeably with "know the truth". "Knowing" implies awareness, while "facing" suggests active confrontation and acceptance, often involving emotional or practical consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face truth" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "face" is the verb indicating the action of confronting, and "truth" is the noun representing the object being confronted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. For example, "Putin should face the truth" from The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face truth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that encourages the acknowledgment and confrontation of reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various sources, from news media to personal blogs, indicating its versatility. While alternatives like "confront reality" or "accept the facts" exist, "face truth" emphasizes a direct and courageous approach to dealing with often difficult situations. Understanding its purpose and avoiding confusion with similar phrases like "know the truth" can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront reality

Emphasizes the act of directly addressing and dealing with reality, often implying a challenging or unpleasant situation.

acknowledge reality

Focuses on the act of recognizing and accepting the existence of reality, often after a period of denial or avoidance.

accept the facts

Highlights the acceptance of verifiable information or data, even if it is unfavorable or contradicts one's beliefs.

confront the facts

Similar to "accept the facts", but emphasizes the act of directly engaging with and addressing the facts.

come to terms with the truth

Implies a process of emotional and intellectual adjustment to the truth, often after a period of struggle or resistance.

recognize the truth

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of identifying and understanding the truth, often after a period of confusion or uncertainty.

deal with reality

Emphasizes the practical aspect of handling and managing the challenges and demands of reality.

accept reality

A general term for acknowledging and becoming reconciled to what is real, especially when it is unpleasant.

be honest with yourself

Focuses on self-awareness and the willingness to admit the truth to oneself, even if it is difficult or uncomfortable.

get real

An informal expression urging someone to stop being unrealistic or delusional and to acknowledge the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "face truth" in a sentence?

You can use "face truth" to encourage someone to acknowledge a difficult situation, as in "It's time to face truth and admit our project is failing". It emphasizes confronting reality directly.

What can I say instead of "face truth"?

You can use alternatives like "confront reality", "accept the facts", or "acknowledge reality" depending on the context.

Is "face truth" the same as "know the truth"?

No, "face truth" implies a more active and challenging process than simply "knowing the truth". It suggests confronting and accepting a difficult or unpleasant reality, not just being aware of it.

What does it mean to "face your truth"?

To "face your truth" means to confront and accept the realities about yourself, your life, or your situation, even if they are uncomfortable or challenging. It involves self-awareness and honesty.