in the face of chaos

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the face of chaos" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is confronting or dealing with disorder or confusion. Example: "She remained calm and composed in the face of chaos during the emergency evacuation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The following year, in the face of chaos, the government slammed on the brakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

She certainly deserves an award for determination in the face of chaos.

The New York Times - Arts

"In the face of chaos and tragedy," he said, the volunteers displayed grit, compassion, civic duty and courage.

The New York Times

Calm in the face of chaos, Chauncey served as the perfect mascot for New Orleans's annual NOizeFest, held in our backyard from 2002 to 2014.

The Guardian

A chilling portrait of a society gone to seed and one "survivor's" efforts to maintain sanity in the face of chaos.

The Guardian - Books

At some point I go into the study to get away from the terrible dimness in the living room — all those eyes, all that calmness in the face of chaos.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's easy to attack Obama as feckless in the face of the chaos in Libya, Syria, and Iraq.

The New Yorker

Digital Glossary, offers an exploration of humanity's powerlessness in the face of the chaos of existence.

The Guardian

While I admire her can-do spirit, she sets the wrong example, showing that even in the face of financial chaos, someone else will clean up your mess.

The New York Times - Magazine

Surely now in the face of such chaos and incompetence, it's time for Defra to kill the cull for good".

The Guardian

Now let another work stand for the recourses of artists who, while accepting the imperative of radical simplicity in the face of worldly chaos, wouldn't forgo the poetry of traditional mediums.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the face of chaos" to emphasize resilience or deliberate action taken when conditions are turbulent and unpredictable. It suggests a proactive response rather than passive acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "in the face of chaos" when simply describing a chaotic situation without implying a contrasting positive action or attitude. Instead, use descriptive phrases like "amidst the chaos" or "during the turmoil" if there's no emphasis on overcoming the disorder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the face of chaos" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the circumstances under which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the face of chaos" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe resilience or action taken during turbulent times. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily used in News & Media, it highlights a proactive response to disorder. Alternatives include "amidst the chaos" or "despite the chaos". Remember to use it when emphasizing a contrasting positive action or attitude, not just describing a chaotic situation. Understanding the nuances of "in the face of chaos" can significantly enhance your writing by adding depth and precision. Overall, the usage guidance suggests that the phrase is appropriate in various contexts, especially where it emphasizes a proactive response to turbulent conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amidst the chaos

Replaces "in the face of" with "amidst the", focusing on being surrounded by chaos.

despite the chaos

Emphasizes acting even though chaos exists.

in spite of the chaos

Similar to "despite the chaos", highlighting defiance of chaos.

confronting the chaos

Emphasizes a direct approach to dealing with chaos.

when faced with chaos

Focuses on the moment of encountering chaos.

when chaos reigns

Shifts from facing chaos to a situation where chaos is dominant.

navigating the chaos

Highlights the act of finding a path through chaos.

during times of chaos

Focuses on the temporal aspect of chaos.

in turbulent times

Replaces "chaos" with a more general term for instability.

under chaotic conditions

Highlights the conditions under which something occurs.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in the face of chaos"?

You can use alternatives like "amidst the chaos", "despite the chaos", or "in spite of the chaos" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in face of chaos"?

While understandable, the more common and grammatically accepted form is "in the face of chaos". The inclusion of "the" makes the phrase sound more natural and complete.

What does "in the face of chaos" imply?

It suggests that someone is acting or behaving in a certain way despite the presence of a highly disordered or confused situation. It often implies courage, resilience, or a deliberate effort to maintain order or achieve a goal.

Is there a difference between "in the face of chaos" and "in the midst of chaos"?

While both phrases describe being surrounded by disorder, "in the face of chaos" implies confronting or actively dealing with the chaos, while "in the midst of chaos" simply describes being within it. The former suggests resistance, the latter, just presence.