may be faced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be faced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate potential challenges or difficulties that someone might encounter in a given situation. Example: "In this project, we may be faced with unexpected obstacles that require quick solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Barak may be faced with the need to call new elections soon.

The New York Times

But before this new order appears, the world may be faced with spreading disorder, if not outright chaos.

The Guardian - Opinion

The motion also declares support for local strikes in schools and colleges which may be faced by particularly severe cuts.

Independent

The firm may be faced with a choice between reduced streaming rights or a cut in its hefty profit margin.

The Economist

This summer, in Cleveland, the Republican Party may be faced with tests that not only are tactical but go to its identity.

The New Yorker

If not, Spanier and Athletic Director Tim Curley may be faced with the unenviable task of asking the iconic Paterno to step down.

The New York Times - Sports

Should we make some plans just in case?" Finally, you may be faced with a patient in despair who has lost all hope.

The New York Times - Health

"But I wonder about the station, which may be faced with having to give equal time to someone from another party later.

The New York Times

And now the Jets may be faced with no postseason, and if Favre has (again) decided he has had enough, no quarterback.

The New York Times

In some not-too-distant future we may be faced with the gruesome prospect of a revival of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" starring Jon and Kate Gosselin.

The New York Times

Cheers!" But the former district manager of Wernham Hogg may be faced with a moral dilemma if he has to share a stage with Gervais.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be faced", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential challenges or situations are being referred to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be faced" without clearly specifying what one might face. A vague reference can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying "Challenges may be faced", specify "Teams may be faced with tight deadlines and limited resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be faced" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potentiality. It is used to express that someone or something might encounter a particular situation or challenge. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is used to indicate potential challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be faced" is a common and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to indicate potential challenges or situations. According to Ludwig, its high frequency across both News & Media and Scientific contexts highlights its versatility and acceptance in formal and informal settings. While alternatives like "might encounter" or "could confront" exist, "may be faced" offers a balanced tone suitable for various communicative purposes. The key to effective usage is ensuring clear context to avoid vagueness. As emphasized by Ludwig AI, the phrase serves to forewarn or prepare for potential difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might encounter

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

could confront

Uses "could" instead of "may" and "confront" instead of "be faced", implying a direct encounter with something challenging.

might be confronted with

Adds "with" to emphasize the object of confrontation.

could be presented with

Suggests that something is being offered or posed as a challenge.

might have to deal with

Focuses on the act of handling or managing a situation.

may encounter

Omission of "be faced with" indicates a less direct, more general experience.

may have to contend with

Replaces "be faced" with "have to contend with", indicating a struggle or effort.

may grapple with

Replaces "be faced" with "grapple with", indicating active engagement and struggle.

might be up against

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate facing opposition or difficulty.

may find oneself confronting

This emphasizes the unexpected nature of confronting a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "may be faced" in a sentence?

You can use "may be faced" to indicate potential challenges or difficulties. For instance, "The company "may be faced" with increased competition next year".

What are some alternatives to "may be faced"?

Alternatives include "might encounter", "could confront", or "might be confronted with" depending on the desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "might be faced" instead of "may be faced"?

Yes, "might be faced" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, although "may" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might".

What is the difference between "may be faced with" and "may face"?

"May be faced with" emphasizes that someone is potentially on the receiving end of a challenge, while "may face" is a more direct way of saying that someone might encounter a challenge.