face up

USAGE SUMMARY

"face up" is an expression that is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to confront a situation or challenge head-on. For example, you can say "He decided to face up to his mistakes and apologize to his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Face up".

The Guardian - Sport

"Face up then.

The Guardian - Sport

"We must face up to it".

The New York Times

Do the palms face up or down?

The New York Times - Arts

It's time to face up to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

He'll face up to whatever it is.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

However, this one is face-up.

The New York Times

Choose the face-up.

WikiHow

Lay the briefs face-up.

WikiHow

Set them aside face-up.

WikiHow

Lay the panties face-up.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical orientation, be specific to avoid confusion: instead of just "face up", say "lie face up" or "palms face up".

Common error

Avoid using "face up" when you only mean to 'acknowledge' a problem. "Face up" implies not only acknowledging but also actively dealing with the issue.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "face up" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "face" with the particle "up" to create a new meaning, signifying confrontation or dealing with a challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face up" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that signifies confronting a difficult situation directly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression in English. While it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its formality is generally neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "face up", remember that it implies not only acknowledging a problem but also actively taking steps to deal with it. Remember that in physical contexts, clarifying details are necessary (i.e., lay the mirror "face up" before it.).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront

Focuses on directly addressing a situation, omitting the 'acceptance' aspect.

deal with

Implies managing or handling a situation, rather than directly confronting it.

meet head-on

Emphasizes direct and immediate confrontation, similar but more forceful.

accept reality

Emphasizes acknowledging the truth, lacking the confrontational sense.

take responsibility

Highlights accountability, differing from the general act of facing a situation.

own up to

Focuses on admitting fault or responsibility, more specific than facing a general situation.

brave the situation

Highlights courage in confronting a situation, adding an emotional aspect.

acknowledge the problem

Highlights the recognition of an issue, but doesn't necessarily mean taking action.

grapple with

Implies a struggle in dealing with a situation, adding a layer of difficulty.

come to terms with

Focuses on acceptance and reconciliation, rather than direct confrontation.

FAQs

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

You can use "face up" to describe confronting a difficult situation, as in, "It's time to "face up" to the challenges ahead." The phrase implies taking responsibility and dealing with problems directly.

What are some alternatives to saying "face up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "confront", "deal with", or "accept reality". Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "faced up to" instead of "face up to"?

Yes, "faced up to" is the past tense form of the verb phrase "face up to". For example, "He faced up to his responsibilities after the incident."

What's the difference between "face up" and "face down"?

"Face up" typically means to confront a difficult situation, while "face down" (when used literally) describes the orientation of an object or person with the face pointing downwards. They are opposites in both literal and figurative contexts.