facing someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facing someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one person is positioned directly opposite another person, often in a confrontational or interactive context. Example: "During the debate, the candidates were facing each other, presenting their arguments passionately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The posture is vulnerable and startlingly intimate, as if these young men and women were facing someone in bed or on a stretcher, and the results are riveting.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately pulling all these figures together can be stressful even when one is well, so don't underestimate the task facing someone either with or surviving cancer.

The Guardian

"There is," Kevin Pietersen tweeted last week while he was watching the Test, "a HUGE difference when facing someone at 140kmh compared to 150kmh … When you are facing someone as quick as Mitchell, your instinct occasionally makes you do things you shouldn't.

The Guardian - Sport

Even with the unit healthy, Andrew Luck has endured the third most sacks of any quarterback and facing someone like Watt with a patchwork line is a recipe for disaster.

The New York Times

"If I'm facing someone I've never played before and have no idea of his weakness, and I play an optimal strategy, I know I will not make a mistake that will give him any money," he said.

The New Yorker

Facing someone as sharp and experienced as Adams will not be Walsh's only fresh challenge: for the finals the venue switches from a hall at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre here to the 11,000-seater Hydro.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

State advances to face someone very unlucky.

The New York Times

I'll also be happy to face someone else.

The New York Times - Sports

With Valhalla, you have to face someone who's worthy of you.

The Guardian - Music

To face someone who's kind of joking around is not a lot of fun".

The New York Times - Sports

"If you're doing good with one person, why do you want to face someone different?" cornerback Aaron Glenn said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "facing someone" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the interaction—whether it's confrontational, competitive, or simply observational. This adds clarity and depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "facing someone" in overly passive constructions, which can weaken your writing. Instead of "he was facing someone", consider a more direct construction like "he confronted someone" to create a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facing someone" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as part of a larger clause to describe an action or state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, indicating its role in expressing encounters or confrontations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "facing someone" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe encounters or confrontations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, as supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While its formality is generally neutral, it's important to consider the context to ensure appropriate tone. Alternatives like "confronting someone" or "encountering someone" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Keep in mind it's better to avoid passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confronting someone

Replaces "facing" with a more direct synonym, implying a potentially challenging interaction.

encountering someone

Shifts the focus to the act of meeting or coming across someone, which can be less confrontational.

opposing someone

Highlights a position of conflict or disagreement, adding a layer of antagonism not always present in "facing someone".

competing against someone

Introduces the idea of a contest or rivalry, implying a structured interaction with defined goals.

dealing with someone

Suggests managing or handling a person or situation, emphasizing the process rather than the direct confrontation.

meeting someone

Focuses on the initial act of encountering someone, lacking the implication of ongoing interaction or potential conflict.

engaging with someone

Emphasizes active participation and interaction, suitable when the focus is on communication or collaboration.

fronting someone

A more colloquial term implying confrontation or defiance.

addressing someone

Focuses on the act of speaking to someone, often in a formal or direct manner.

looking at someone

The action of observing someone, which can be physical or figurative, but lacks the sense of interaction or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "facing someone" in a sentence?

You can use "facing someone" to describe a direct encounter or confrontation, as in "She was nervous about "facing her boss" after making a mistake at work".

What are some alternatives to "facing someone"?

Alternatives include "confronting someone", "encountering someone", or "opposing someone" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "facing someone" and "confronting someone"?

"Facing someone" can imply a broader range of interactions, while "confronting someone" usually suggests a more direct or challenging encounter. The nuance depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "facing someone" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when describing a situation where individuals are directly interacting, especially in contexts involving negotiation, competition, or conflict. The key is to ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.