they are facing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they are facing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a particular group of people or persons and the difficulties or obstacles they are encountering. For example: "The people living in poverty are facing severe financial hardship due to the current economic crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now they are facing competition.

The Economist

"They are facing funding shortages".

The New York Times

"They are facing each other".

The New York Times

They are facing foreclosure.

The New York Times

Now they are facing the consequences.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are facing big problems in Marja.

The New York Times

Yet they are facing the challenges together.

The New York Times

Now they are facing elimination.

The New York Times - Sports

They are facing shortfalls of $140 billion next year.

The New York Times

They are facing charges of attempted murder.

The Guardian

The deficits they are facing are huge".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are facing" to clearly communicate that a group is actively dealing with specific challenges or obstacles. Be specific about what they are facing to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are facing" without specifying the challenges. Saying "they are facing difficulties" is vague. Instead, provide detail: "They are facing funding shortages" or "They are facing increasing competition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are facing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a group is currently experiencing or confronting a specific situation, challenge, or obstacle. Ludwig shows numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are facing" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a group's current experience with challenges or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and formal communication. While semantically similar phrases exist, such as "they are confronting" or "they are dealing with", it's essential to provide specific context when using "they are facing" to avoid vagueness. By providing clarity and specificity, writers can effectively communicate the challenges that a group is navigating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are confronting

Indicates a direct and often forceful encounter with a challenge.

they are dealing with

Suggests a process of managing or handling a situation.

they are encountering

Highlights the experience of running into or meeting with difficulties.

they are up against

Implies facing a formidable opponent or obstacle.

they are contending with

Suggests a struggle or competition against something.

they are grappling with

Emphasizes a physical or mental struggle to overcome a challenge.

they are tackling

Implies a proactive approach to addressing a problem.

they are undergoing

Focuses on the experience of enduring or being subjected to a process or situation.

they are experiencing

Highlights the sensation or feeling of dealing with something difficult.

they are enduring

Suggests a prolonged and often painful experience.

FAQs

How can I use "they are facing" in a sentence?

Use "they are facing" to describe a group or entity encountering challenges or obstacles. For example, "The company is facing financial difficulties" or "The community is facing a housing crisis".

What are some alternatives to "they are facing"?

You can use alternatives like "they are confronting", "they are dealing with", or "they are encountering" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they are facing with" instead of "they are facing"?

No, "they are facing with" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "they are facing". The preposition "with" is unnecessary and changes the meaning.

What is the difference between "they are facing" and "they are dealing with"?

"They are facing" emphasizes the encounter with a challenge, while "they are dealing with" suggests a more active process of managing or handling the situation.