face-off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face-off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a confrontation or competition between two parties, often in a sports context or a debate. Example: "The upcoming face-off between the two rival teams is highly anticipated by fans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A face-off between the two.

Independent

"Face-Off," by Bob Staake.

The New Yorker

— Saturday's face-off took an unforeseen turn.

The New York Times

8 20 A.M. Apr 3rd FLOTUS/Carla face-off?

The New Yorker

1.50pm: A Harrison/Liam face-off.

The Guardian - Film

Messier won the ensuing face-off.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The two armies face off.

The New York Times - Books

The two now face off.

The Economist

The teams face off again Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Elsewhere two "Olympia -like Olympia -likece odalisques

The New York Times - Arts

So who would face off against Hillary?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face-off" in sports contexts, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to the specific start-of-play action or a broader competitive encounter. Consider clarifying if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "face-off" interchangeably with general disagreements. While it can refer to confrontations, it's most precise when indicating a structured beginning or direct competition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "face-off" is as a noun, referring to a confrontation or the start of play in certain sports. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Arts

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "face-off" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a confrontation or the commencement of play in sports like ice hockey and lacrosse. Ludwig AI examples show it's commonly used in news and sports reporting, with a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. While grammatically correct, it's important to use "face-off" precisely, especially distinguishing between its sports-related and general confrontation meanings. Alternatives like "confrontation" or "showdown" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confrontation

A more general term for a direct encounter, often implying disagreement.

showdown

Suggests a decisive confrontation or contest.

encounter

A neutral term for a meeting or confrontation.

standoff

Implies a deadlock or stalemate in a confrontation.

clash

Emphasizes conflict and opposition.

head-to-head

Direct competition between two individuals or teams.

initial puck drop

Specifically refers to the start of play in ice hockey.

opening play

Denotes the commencement of a game or match.

competitive match

Highlights the competitive aspect of a game or contest.

direct opposition

Focuses on the adversarial nature of the encounter.

FAQs

What does "face-off" mean?

The term "face-off" can refer to a confrontation or argument between two people or groups. In sports like ice hockey and lacrosse, it denotes the start of play when two players compete for control of the puck or ball.

What can I say instead of "face-off" when describing a confrontation?

You can use alternatives like "confrontation", "showdown", or "encounter" depending on the context.

How is "face-off" used in ice hockey?

In ice hockey, a "face-off" is the method used to begin play at the start of each period or after certain stoppages. Two opposing players stand facing each other, and the referee drops the puck between their sticks.

Is "face off" one word or two?

"Face-off" is typically hyphenated when used as a noun. The phrasal verb form is "face off" (two words), as in, "The teams will face off on Saturday."