in the face of oppression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in the face of oppression' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone who is bravely standing up against an oppressive situation. For example: "The brave activist stood up for her rights in the face of oppression, inspiring all of us to do the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This they did, leaving the Holland innings as futile as waving a banner for freedom in the face of oppression.

The Guardian - Sport

"Privilege doesn't matter in the face of oppression," Mr. Labori said.

The New York Times

His characters are strong in the face of oppression and prejudice, but they are also fallible in endearingly humorous ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Joining together to offer support and advice in the face of oppression is a powerful act of resistance.

The Guardian

Within the African-derived communities, ritual dances were mechanisms for survival in the face of oppression, brutality, and racism.

Britannica

It's a brave stance in the face of oppression, and a worrisome one, too, knowing the threats he has encountered.

The New York Times

His portrait of their remarkable resilience in the face of oppression is likely to make his book another well-deserved bestseller.

The Economist

* * * Of course there are contexts in which particular books become politically important, and writers who exhibit astonishing bravery in the face of oppression.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The conduit could cost anything up to $5 billion.In this section The face of oppression America's friend Blood and oil Regression analysis Better red than dead?

The Economist

Nonetheless, trade unions are planning another national strike next month.In this section The face of oppression America's friend Blood and oil Regression analysis Better red than dead?

The Economist

Egypt itself, a country that is often seen as an Arab bell-wether, provides a useful example.In this section The face of oppression America's friend Blood and oil Regression analysis Better red than dead?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the face of oppression", ensure the context clearly defines the source and nature of the oppression to provide a complete understanding of the challenges being confronted.

Common error

Avoid using "in the face of oppression" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. This phrase is most impactful when referring to systemic or severe injustice and using it lightly diminishes its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the face of oppression" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It describes the circumstances under which an action is performed, emphasizing the presence of resistance or resilience. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase modifying actions like 'joining together,' 'standing up,' and 'maintaining dignity.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the face of oppression" is a powerful prepositional phrase used to emphasize the courage and resilience shown when confronting injustice. Ludwig AI confirms it's used to describe individuals bravely standing up against oppressive situations. It commonly appears in news, academic texts, and encyclopedias, demonstrating its broad applicability in discussing systemic injustice and resistance. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the oppression. Alternatives such as "despite oppression" or "in defiance of oppression" offer slightly different nuances. Avoid using the phrase to describe minor inconveniences, as it dilutes its significance when referring to genuine hardship and resistance against substantial injustice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in defiance of oppression

This alternative strongly emphasizes resistance and a direct challenge to oppressive forces.

in the teeth of oppression

This idiom intensifies the sense of direct confrontation and difficulty, suggesting facing the most challenging aspects of oppression.

despite oppression

This alternative emphasizes the continuous existence or progress even when oppression is present, shifting the focus from direct confrontation to perseverance.

in response to oppression

This alternative highlights that actions are a direct reaction to oppressive measures, focusing on causality.

amidst oppression

Similar to 'despite oppression', this emphasizes being surrounded by oppression but does not necessarily imply direct confrontation.

under oppressive conditions

This phrase highlights the circumstances rather than the act of facing them, emphasizing the environment in which actions occur.

when facing oppression

Similar to 'when confronted with', this emphasizes the act of facing oppression but without the implication of resistance.

when confronted with oppression

This phrase focuses on the moment of encounter with oppression, rather than the ongoing state or response.

notwithstanding oppression

This formal alternative is similar to 'despite oppression', stressing that something occurs regardless of the presence of oppression.

in times of oppression

This sets a temporal context, indicating actions or qualities exhibited during periods defined by oppression.

FAQs

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

Use "in the face of oppression" to describe someone or a group bravely resisting unfair or unjust treatment. For example, "The activists continued to protest "in the face of oppression", despite the threats they received."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the face of oppression"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "despite oppression", "in defiance of oppression", or "under oppressive conditions" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "in the face of oppression" when discussing personal challenges?

While personal challenges can be difficult, "in the face of oppression" is most suitable when describing resistance against systemic or widespread injustice. Consider using alternative phrases like "in the face of adversity" or "despite difficulties" for individual struggles.

How does "in the face of oppression" differ from "in the face of adversity"?

"In the face of adversity" refers to overcoming general hardships or challenges, while ""in the face of oppression"" specifically highlights resistance against unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power. Oppression implies a power dynamic where one group is systematically disadvantaged.