in the face of calamity

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the face of calamity" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone's actions or attitude during a difficult or disastrous situation. Example: "In the face of calamity, the community banded together to support each other and rebuild their homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There were scattered uprisings, mostly religious in nature, as people turned to belief in the face of calamity.

The New York Times

In the face of calamity, they are brought together by their newfound readiness to speak to each other.

The New Yorker

And those who haven't backed off, including Palin, are increasingly criticised by pundits and fellow politicians for their intransigence in the face of calamity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bass's general rule is that every time a President sends troops to save lives overseas he risks political disaster; if he stays out, even in the face of calamity, there is little downside.

The New Yorker

She embodied what Cubans view as some of their best qualities, strong family ties, an impeccable work ethic and a joy in living, even in the face of calamity.

The New York Times

Skip to next paragraph Related A Presidential Triple Plea for Haiti Fund (January 17 , 2010 Clinton Bush Haiti Fund Throughout both our careers in public service, we have witnessed firsthand the amazing generosity of the American people in the face of calamity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is because different species of livestock have different survival capacity in the face of calamities; hence, a farmer is able to spread the risk of losing the whole herd.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

In the face of such calamity, we have a need to affix blame.

The New York Times

In the face of natural calamity or man-made disasters, human society is a remarkably fragile thing.

The New York Times

"Panic and alarm in the face of a calamity are signs of weakness and defeat — let's come out of that," he said.

The New Yorker

George H. W. Bush repelled right-wingers with his moderate tendencies — not least when, in the face of fiscal calamity, he broke his campaign pledge not to raise taxes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the face of calamity" to highlight resilience, courage, or unexpected behavior when confronting a crisis. This can add depth and emotional resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the face of calamity" for minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for genuinely disastrous or catastrophic events to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the face of calamity" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the circumstances under which an action occurs or a state exists. Ludwig shows how the phrase sets the scene or context for the main action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the face of calamity" is a powerful way to describe actions and attitudes during disastrous events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media, and to a lesser extent in Science and Formal & Business contexts, it highlights resilience and courage during crises. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for genuinely severe situations and aim to emphasize the positive responses to hardship. For more nuanced expressions, consider alternatives like "in times of adversity" or "despite the adversity". This phrase serves not just to narrate an event, but to illuminate the human response to it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the adversity

Similar to 'in the face of', but places more emphasis on the negative situation.

in times of adversity

Refers to general hardship and unfavorable conditions.

when faced with difficulty

General way to convey when facing a challenge.

under adverse conditions

Highlights that the events and circumstances faced are negative and unfavorable.

in the midst of disaster

Focuses on being surrounded by the negative event, suggesting a more immediate and immersive experience.

confronted with misfortune

Highlights the act of facing an unfortunate event directly.

when disaster strikes

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of a calamitous event.

in the teeth of hardship

Conveys a sense of battling directly against difficult circumstances.

under duress

Emphasizes the stress and pressure experienced during a difficult situation.

notwithstanding tribulation

A more formal way of saying "despite suffering" or hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "in the face of calamity" in a sentence?

This phrase typically describes how someone behaves when confronted with a disaster. For instance, "In the face of calamity, she remained calm and organized the rescue efforts."

What are some alternatives to "in the face of calamity"?

Consider alternatives like "in times of adversity", "when disaster strikes", or "despite the adversity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in the face of calamity" in formal writing?

Yes, "In the face of calamity" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious events or crises. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong phrase.

How does "in the face of calamity" differ from "in the aftermath of calamity"?

"In the face of calamity" describes actions taken during the event itself, while "in the aftermath of calamity" refers to actions or conditions existing after the event has concluded. The former focuses on immediate response, the latter on long-term consequences.