Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
face upon
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "face upon" is not correct and does not have a standard usage in written English.
It seems to be an incorrect combination of words and does not convey a clear meaning in any context. Example: "I cannot face upon the challenges ahead."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
40 human-written examples
It also feels to me that publishers are more willing to tell (and often kid) themselves that they've just uncovered the next Norman Mailer, a young man primed to burst into the literary top rank with a single almighty debut, than when faced with a fresh female face (upon whose features they will, of course, linger with unseemly interest).
News & Media
Literacy is just one of the hurdles southern Sudan would face upon independence.
News & Media
Echo has a blank look on her face upon seeing this, but you get the impression that perhaps a germ of awareness remains in her.
News & Media
"The Castle," a simple, fascinating production about four ex-convicts, presents the other side of the coin, describing the obstacles that criminal offenders face upon their release.
News & Media
She is as unknowable as Rebecca, a riddle with a countenance that is sometimes 'small and narrow, a face upon a coin'.
News & Media
The first presentation you face upon entering the show is a display of sleek, biomorphic sculptures by Jean Arp — five bronzes and a plaster.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
20 human-written examples
Mr. Pincus, who, given his wealth, had lived relatively modestly — in a world where a 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-foot 2,500-square-foot Utahousent as modest — din an about-face upon meeting the princeSouthamptonng to one friend, who spoke on the condition of andnymity because he did not want to be identified discussing his franch in the newspaper.
News & Media
"What I faced upon return must have been the payback".
News & Media
There is also a large cupboard, a low-lying couch and a window facing upon the sea".
News & Media
Rivera went more than 14 months, for example, without walking the first batter he faced upon entering a game.
News & Media
"The mother feels safer now that the doctors are trying to protect her child from the clearly abusive conditions Asha faces upon return to detention.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider alternatives such as "face" or "confront" followed by the object of the verb and then "upon" if needed for temporal indication. For example, instead of "face upon returning home", use "face challenges upon returning home" or "confront challenges after returning home".
Common error
Avoid using "upon" directly after "face" when referring to challenges or situations. "Face" typically functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. "Upon" is usually used to indicate time or condition. A better structure is to use "face" with a direct object, then use "upon" to specify a time or condition.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "face upon" functions as part of a verb phrase where "face" is intended to be a transitive verb, but the structure is non-standard. Ludwig indicates that this is not a correct or typical usage, so "face" should have a direct object before connecting with "upon."
Frequent in
News & Media
62%
Science
31%
Wiki
7%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "face upon" is an uncommon construction that, according to Ludwig, is not considered correct in standard English. While it appears in various sources, including news media and scientific publications, its usage is questionable. It's generally more effective to use clearer, more grammatically accepted alternatives such as "face after" or simply "face" followed by the direct object. When using "face", ensure that it has a direct object, and then use "upon" to specify a time or condition. Because of the potential for misinterpretation, it's advisable to avoid "face upon" and opt for more conventional phrasing to ensure clarity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
encounter upon
Emphasizes the act of meeting or experiencing something immediately after another event.
confront upon
Highlights the act of directly addressing a challenge or problem right after something happens.
deal with upon
Focuses on managing or handling something immediately after an event.
appearance on
Refers to how something looks when placed on top of something else.
surface on
Indicates that something becomes visible or evident after another event.
tackle after
Suggests addressing or solving something shortly after a specific time.
meet after
Implies encountering or experiencing something following a particular event.
react to upon
Focuses on a response or action taken immediately after an event or situation.
act upon
Describes performing an action based on something that has just occurred.
respond to following
Implies reacting to or answering something after a certain event or time.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "face upon" to sound more natural?
Instead of "face upon", consider using constructions like "face after", "face when", or simply "face" followed by the object. For example, instead of "face upon arrival", try "face challenges after arrival" or just "face the challenges".
Is it grammatically correct to use "face upon"?
While the phrase "face upon" does appear in some contexts, it's not considered standard English. It's generally better to use alternatives that are clearer and more grammatically accepted, such as "face after" or "face when".
What are common mistakes when using "face" with "upon"?
A common mistake is to use "face upon" without a direct object between the verb "face" and the preposition "upon". "Face" typically requires a direct object. Therefore, structure sentences to include this object, such as "face difficulties upon release" instead of "face upon release".
What can I say instead of "the challenges they face upon returning home"?
You can use alternatives like "the challenges they encounter after returning home", "the challenges they confront upon returning home", or "the challenges they meet after returning home" depending on the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested