let's face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let's face" is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used to introduce a statement that acknowledges a difficult or uncomfortable truth. Example: "Let's face the reality that we need to make some changes to our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Let's face it, it's iffical".

The New Yorker

"Let's face it – it's not".

The New York Times

So let's face it.

The New York Times

Let's face it, though.

The New York Times

Oh, let's face it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's face the facts.

The Guardian

Let's face reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's face it, he does.

The New Yorker

"Let's face it, he said.

The New York Times

"Let's face it," he added.

The New York Times

"Let's face it," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let's face" to introduce a statement that is undeniably true but perhaps difficult to accept. It serves as an effective rhetorical bridge to build consensus with your reader.

Common error

While "let's face" is pervasive in journalism and opinion pieces, it is often seen as too conversational for formal scientific or academic writing. In those contexts, prefer phrases like "<a href="/s/it+is+evident+that" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it is evident that" or "<a href="/s/one+must+consider" target="_blank" rel="alternative">one must consider" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let's face" acts as an introductory imperative phrase or a rhetorical connective. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to set a common ground between the speaker and the audience before delivering a blunt or pragmatic statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Opinion & Commentary

10%

Wiki & General Knowledge

5%

Less common in

Science & Research

2%

Legal Documents

1%

Academic Textbooks

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let's face" is an essential idiomatic tool for writers who want to inject a sense of realism and directness into their prose. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a highly correct and widely accepted phrase, particularly within professional journalism. While it is almost always followed by "it", "facts", or "reality", its primary function remains the same: to act as a rhetorical wake-up call. Writers should feel confident using it in editorials, blogs, and business communications, though they should consider more formal alternatives like "<a href="/s/we+must+acknowledge" target="_blank" rel="alternative">we must acknowledge" for strictly academic environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's be honest

Places more emphasis on the speaker's sincerity or candor

let's face it

The most common idiomatic expansion of the query

let's face facts

More emphatic by specifically highlighting the evidence or data

let's admit

Suggests a previous reluctance to accept the truth

we must acknowledge

Significantly more formal and suitable for academic or professional reports

let's get real

Much more informal and potentially confrontational

realistically

Functions as a sentence adverb rather than an imperative phrase

truth be told

A more passive and slightly more traditional introductory phrase

let's confront the reality

Adds a sense of proactive engagement with a difficult situation

to be frank

Focuses on the speaker's directness rather than a collective realization

FAQs

How to use "let's face" in a sentence?

In most contexts, "let's face" is followed by "it" or a specific noun like "facts" or "reality". For example: "Let's face facts, the project is behind schedule".

What can I say instead of "let's face"?

You can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/let's+be+honest" target="_blank" rel="alternative">let's be honest", "<a href="/s/admittedly" target="_blank" rel="alternative">admittedly", or "<a href="/s/it's+worth+acknowledging" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it's worth acknowledging" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "let's face" or "let's face it"?

Both are correct, but "<a href="/s/let's+face+it" target="_blank" rel="alternative">let's face it" is much more common as a standalone introductory clause. Using "let's face" alone usually requires a direct object, such as in "let's face the music" or "let's face reality".

What is the difference between "let's face" and "let's be honest"?

While similar, "let's face" focuses on confronting an external reality or situation, whereas "<a href="/s/let's+be+honest" target="_blank" rel="alternative">let's be honest" emphasizes the speaker's willingness to speak without pretense or sugarcoating.