need to confront

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to confront" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the necessity to face or deal with a difficult situation or person. Example: "I feel that I need to confront my fears if I want to move forward in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Doctors need to confront the nuclear industry.

The New York Times

We need to confront them".

The Guardian

They need to confront their fears".

The New York Times

"We need to confront and end the stigma.

Independent

People need to confront it and therefore hopefully stop it".

Independent

But we'll also need to confront immense ethical quandaries.

The New Yorker

It's an American story, and one we need to confront.

The New Yorker

We need to confront – and I mean really confront – extremism.

Independent

The next president will need to confront the nation's disrepair.

The New York Times

Still, those who argue that "Islam is the solution" need to confront the other possibility.

The Economist

Analysts say that Bosnian leaders from all sides will need to confront the country's economic challenges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to confront", ensure that the object of confrontation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "We need to confront", specify "We need to confront the issue of climate change".

Common error

Avoid using "need to confront" without a clear object. Vague statements like "We need to confront" lack impact. Always specify what needs to be confronted for clarity and effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to confront" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing the necessity or obligation to deal with a challenging situation or problem. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from confronting fears to addressing societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need to confront" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the necessity of addressing a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "must address" or "have to face" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. A best practice is always to clearly define what needs to be confronted. As noted in the analysis, this phrase is most effective when the object of confrontation is explicitly stated to avoid vagueness. Remember to avoid using this phrase with a vague or missing object to ensure that the writing is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must address

Replaces "need to" with "must", indicating a stronger sense of obligation.

have to face

Emphasizes the inevitability of dealing with something.

should tackle

Suggests a more proactive approach to handling a problem.

ought to address

Implies a moral or ethical obligation to deal with something.

required to confront

Highlights that the act of confronting is mandatory.

essential to tackle

Highlights the fundamental importance of addressing something.

imperative to address

Indicates that addressing something is crucial and urgent.

vital to challenge

Emphasizes that something is important and needs a challenge.

necessary to face

Highlights the essentiality of facing something.

critical to confront

Highlights the importance of confronting something.

FAQs

How can I use "need to confront" in a sentence?

You can use "need to confront" to express the necessity to deal with a difficult situation. For example, "We "need to confront" the rising costs of healthcare".

What are some alternatives to "need to confront"?

Some alternatives include "must address", "have to face", or "should tackle", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "need to confront" or "must address"?

"Need to confront" and "must address" are similar, but "must address" implies a stronger sense of obligation or necessity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "need to confront" and "want to confront"?

"Need to confront" implies a necessity or obligation, while "want to confront" suggests a desire or willingness. "We "need to confront" this problem" indicates it's essential, while "We want to confront this problem" suggests it's something we desire to do.