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
faces barrier
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "faces barrier" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that someone or something is encountering an obstacle or challenge, but it requires additional context or modification to be grammatically correct. Example: "The project faces a barrier in securing funding."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
However, this initiative faces barriers other than acceptance of biogas digestion by the targeted communities.
However, solar thermal cooling still faces barriers to emerge as an economically competitive solution.
Science
As a result, this community faces barriers in accessing health services, and remain disproportionately burdened with ill health".
News & Media
But even when a woman gets hired for a first film, she faces barriers to a long, productive career.
News & Media
Control of the fresh food sector by transnationals faces barriers in Thailand and may remain elusive.
Science
However, guideline implementation faces barriers that challenge scale-up of services.
Science
However, implementation faces barriers at clinician, patient and environmental levels [ 3].
Science
Students in classes facing barrier examinations at the end of the year had the highest positivity rates.
Even those who succeeded faced barriers.
News & Media
They face barriers that are cultural as well as practical.
News & Media
They faced barriers of race and class, religion and language.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using the phrase "faces barrier", consider using more grammatically correct and fluent alternatives such as "encounters an obstacle" or "confronts a challenge".
Common error
Avoid directly translating concepts into English if the resulting phrase sounds unnatural. While "faces barrier" might seem logical, it lacks idiomatic usage and can make your writing sound less polished.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "faces barrier" functions as a verb phrase where "faces" acts as a verb and "barrier" as its object. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase isn't standard English, and more common alternatives should be considered.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "faces barrier" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English according to Ludwig AI. While its intended meaning is clear—to convey the idea of encountering an obstacle—it's best to opt for more idiomatic and grammatically sound alternatives such as "encounters an obstacle" or "confronts a challenge". Using these alternatives will improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
encounters an obstacle
Replaces "faces" with "encounters" and "barrier" with "obstacle" for a more formal tone.
confronts a challenge
Uses "confronts" instead of "faces" and "challenge" instead of "barrier", highlighting a proactive engagement with the difficulty.
meets an impediment
Substitutes "faces" with "meets" and "barrier" with "impediment", offering a slightly more formal and less common alternative.
runs into a hurdle
Employs a more idiomatic expression, replacing "faces" with "runs into" and "barrier" with "hurdle", implying a sudden encounter with a problem.
is up against a wall
Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate being blocked or stopped by a significant problem.
grapples with a difficulty
Replaces "faces" with "grapples with" and "barrier" with "difficulty", suggesting a more active and prolonged struggle.
contends with an obstacle
Uses "contends with" in place of "faces", indicating a struggle or competition against an obstacle.
is blocked by a hindrance
Replaces "faces" with "is blocked by" and "barrier" with "hindrance", emphasizing the obstructive nature of the problem.
is hampered by a restriction
Uses "is hampered by" to replace "faces", suggesting that progress is being slowed or prevented by a restriction.
struggles against a limitation
Employs "struggles against" instead of "faces" and "limitation" for "barrier", emphasizing the effort required to overcome the obstacle.
FAQs
What's a more grammatically sound way to say "faces barrier"?
Instead of "faces barrier", consider using phrases like "encounters an obstacle", "confronts a challenge", or "meets an impediment" for clearer and more standard English.
Is "faces barrier" considered correct English?
No, "faces barrier" isn't typically considered correct or idiomatic English. It's better to use alternatives like "runs into a hurdle" or "is blocked by a hindrance" for better clarity.
When is it appropriate to use "faces barrier" in writing?
While not generally recommended, you might use "faces barrier" if you are intentionally trying to create a slightly awkward or unusual effect. However, in most contexts, it's preferable to use more standard alternatives.
What are some common synonyms for the word "barrier"?
Common synonyms for "barrier" include "obstacle", "hindrance", "impediment", "hurdle", and "limitation". Choose the word that best fits the specific context of your sentence.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested