in the face of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'in the face of difficulty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about the determination or courage someone has when faced with a difficult situation. For example: "He was undeterred in the face of difficulty and accomplished the task despite the odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Hope in the face of difficulty.

The Guardian

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

Robert A. Pape ("Our Iraq Policy Is Not Working," Op-Ed, Feb. 24) writes that in the face of difficulty in preventing Iraq from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, "we must concentrate on keeping the coalition together".

The New York Times

The letter, which is addressed to "Sorkin Girls", focuses on the potential pitfalls of a Trump victory as well as the importance of keeping hope in the face of difficulty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 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

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the face of difficulty" to highlight resilience and determination when describing how someone or something overcomes challenges. It adds a layer of admiration for the subject's strength.

Common error

Ensure you include "the" before "face". Omitting it changes the phrase's meaning and grammatical correctness. Always write "in the face of difficulty", not "in face of difficulty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the face of difficulty" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify verbs or nouns by adding information about the circumstances surrounding an action or state. Ludwig examples show it describing resilience and perseverance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the face of difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to highlight resilience and determination when facing challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, remember to include "the" and aim to emphasize admiration for the subject's strength. Alternatives like "despite the odds" or "when facing adversity" can offer similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when facing adversity

Highlights the act of confronting challenging circumstances.

despite the odds

Focuses on overcoming unfavorable conditions, emphasizing the improbability of success.

against all odds

Stresses improbability, similar to "despite the odds" but more emphatic.

amidst hardship

Stresses the presence of suffering and adversity.

under challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the setting and the conditions of the difficulty.

despite setbacks

Highlights resilience when temporary failure arise.

in times of trouble

Focuses on specific periods marked by difficulty.

even with setbacks

Highlights the presence and impact of temporary failures.

notwithstanding obstacles

Highlights the act of proceeding regardless of impediments.

through thick and thin

Emphasizes endurance throughout both good and bad times.

FAQs

What does "in the face of difficulty" mean?

The phrase "in the face of difficulty" means confronting challenging or adverse circumstances with courage, determination, and resilience. It describes how someone handles a tough situation.

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

You can use it to describe someone's actions when they are dealing with a hard situation. For example, "She persevered "despite the odds" and achieved her goals in the face of difficulty".

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

Alternatives include "when facing adversity", "under challenging circumstances", or "amidst hardship". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "in face of difficulty" instead of "in the face of difficulty"?

No, the correct phrasing is "in the face of difficulty". Omitting "the" changes the meaning and makes the phrase grammatically incorrect. Always include "the" for proper usage.