really in the face of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really in the face of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a situation or challenge that someone is confronting or dealing with, often in a context of adversity or difficulty. Example: "She remained optimistic really in the face of overwhelming odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But what to do really in the face of such horror?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And she's really mature in the face of this mistreatment".

The Guardian - Film

Are we really helpless in the face of the astounding toll that guns take on this society?

The New York Times

Second, dedicated procurement policies are hardly free market and could only be really justified in the face of extreme distortions in procurement practice caused, for example, by discrimination.

The Guardian - Opinion

The government's position here on the specific of the browser and on the general question of improving products really flies in the face of the kind of improvements that have benefited consumers from innovation coming out of the technology industry.

The New York Times

"I think that really flies in the face of everything we've thought about pirates as undiscriminating viewers," Garland says.

Forbes

It has dramatically increased spending, and it has refused to acknowledge that its commitment to not raise taxes on taxpayers earning $250,000 or less is not really credible in the face of its ambitious programs and unwillingness to cut spending.

Forbes

This shakes out in the following way: Those who believe in Bitcoin have continued to do so — just not on Mt.Gox, really — even in the face of public shaming through potential technological weakness, and the effective death of Mt.Gox itself, a once high-flying member of the larger Bitcoin fabric; who will trust it now?

TechCrunch

So that really flies in the face of the ruling and the reasoning behind Citizens United".

Huffington Post

"If your kids are immunized, you should feel really comfortable in the face of an outbreak," Swanson said.

Huffington Post

If you take a blueberry pie and disassemble it without bees, you're left with flour and sugar, which really flies in the face of health and nutrition".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really in the face of" to emphasize resilience and determination when discussing how individuals or groups handle significant adversity. This adds depth and emotional resonance to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid redundant usage by ensuring "really" adds meaningful emphasis. Sometimes, "in the face of" is sufficiently strong without it. Overuse can dilute the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really in the face of" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the circumstances under which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it emphasizes the intensity of facing a challenging situation. It highlights the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really in the face of" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the challenges and difficulties faced in a particular situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to highlight resilience and determination but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "despite the presence of" or "notwithstanding the existence of" can be used for variety. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles, but careful consideration should be given in highly formal settings where a more understated tone might be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the presence of

Focuses on the continuous existence of something challenging while action is taken.

notwithstanding the existence of

Highlights that something is happening even though a challenge exists.

even with the challenge of

Emphasizes that the challenge is present, but something proceeds anyway.

in spite of the obstacle of

Highlights that an obstacle exists, but it does not prevent action.

regardless of the impedance of

Stresses that the impedance is not considered when taking action.

against the background of

Suggests that something is set or framed by a difficult situation.

confronting the reality of

Focuses specifically on facing a harsh truth or condition.

in defiance of

Implies a deliberate act of resistance against something.

braving the conditions of

Emphasizes courage in facing difficult or harsh circumstances.

while dealing with the burden of

Highlights the act of managing or coping with something difficult.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "really in the face of"?

Use "really in the face of" to underscore the magnitude of challenges someone confronts, emphasizing their determination and resilience.

Are there alternatives to using "really in the face of"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "despite the presence of", "notwithstanding the existence of", or "even with the challenge of", depending on the context.

How does "really in the face of" differ from "in spite of"?

"Really in the face of" emphasizes confrontation with a significant challenge, while "in spite of" simply acknowledges that something proceeds despite an obstacle. The former adds a layer of intensity to the situation.

Is "really in the face of" considered formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral, suitable for both news reporting and some formal writing, but it's best to avoid in extremely formal or academic contexts where a more understated tone is preferred.