in the face of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the face of difficulties" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is faced with difficulties or challenges. For example: "She persevered in the face of difficulties, determined to reach her goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

There will be no room for back-peddling or shapeshifting in the face of difficulties.

The Guardian

May all of us continue to be inspired by Horne's will to succeed and to overcome in the face of difficulties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Field Marshal Montgomery thought that a leader "must have infectious optimism, and the determination to persevere in the face of difficulties.

The Economist

Rice, Taiwan's basic crop, has held up well in the face of difficulties, but yields of corn, soybeans, wheat, jute, oil seeds and other subsidiary crops have been lagging.

The New York Times

"Since this decision and in the face of difficulties to obtain, in certain segments, market prices, BNP Paribas Investment partners has developed a methodology allowing, which it had planned originally, to reopen the process of subscriptions and buybacks," it said in a statement.

The New York Times

During the present season, these production people will put together, under Friendly's direction, twenty hour-long and four half-hour-long programs — a formidable task in the face of difficulties that include months of filming on location for many of the documentaries, and extraordinary exertions to produce others under emergency-deadline conditions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Hope in the face of difficulty.

The Guardian

Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope!

The Washington Post

Hope that they will improve in the face of difficulty.

The Guardian

Mr. Schulte was splendid in the face of difficulty and fiercely sincere.

The New York Times - Arts

We are adept at smiling in the face of difficulty and realising that it's not all about us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the face of difficulties" to emphasize resilience and determination when describing how someone or something copes with challenges. It adds a layer of strength and perseverance to your writing.

Common error

While effective, avoid overusing "in the face of difficulties". Vary your language by using synonyms like "despite hardships" or "amidst challenges" to keep your writing engaging and prevent it from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the face of difficulties" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the circumstances under which an action is performed or a state is maintained. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the face of difficulties" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey resilience and perseverance when encountering challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific writing, demonstrating its widespread applicability. While effective, remember to vary your language with synonyms like "amidst challenges" or "despite hardships" to avoid repetition. This phrase enhances writing by adding depth and emphasizing the strength required to overcome obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amidst challenges

This alternative is a more concise and slightly more formal way of expressing the same idea, focusing on the presence of challenges.

despite hardships

This phrase highlights the severity of the challenges being faced, emphasizing the resilience required.

notwithstanding obstacles

This alternative uses a more formal and emphatic tone, stressing the act of overcoming obstacles.

in spite of setbacks

This phrase specifically refers to setbacks as the type of difficulty encountered, making it more specific.

confronting adversity

This version emphasizes the active confrontation of negative circumstances, rather than just their presence.

under pressure

Focuses on the stress and strain created by difficult circumstances rather than the circumstances themselves.

during tough times

A more informal and general way to describe facing challenges.

when things get hard

This phrase uses a more colloquial tone to describe facing adversity.

against the odds

Highlights the improbability of success given the difficulties faced.

braving adversity

Emphasizes courage and resilience when faced with challenging circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the face of difficulties" to describe how someone or something persists despite challenges. For example, "She remained optimistic "in the face of difficulties"."

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

Alternatives include "despite hardships", "amidst challenges", or "notwithstanding obstacles". Each option offers a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "in the face of difficulty" or "in the face of difficulties" more appropriate?

"In the face of difficulties" is generally more common and suggests multiple challenges. "In the face of difficulty" can be used when referring to a singular, overarching challenge, though the plural form is often preferred for its broader implication.

What does it mean to persevere "in the face of difficulties"?

To persevere "in the face of difficulties" means to continue striving towards a goal despite encountering obstacles and setbacks. It implies resilience, determination, and a strong will to succeed.