they faced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they faced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals encountered challenges, difficulties, or confrontations. Example: "During the project, they faced numerous obstacles that tested their resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They faced imminent eviction.

The New York Times

They faced paper rationing.

The New Yorker

They faced each other.

The New Yorker

They faced ridicule.

The New York Times

They faced a lectern.

The New Yorker

They faced racism.

The New York Times

They faced hardship.

The New York Times

"They faced discipline or dismissal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Otherwise, they face confrontation.

The Economist

They face some challenges.

The New York Times

Sometimes anxiety they face".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they faced" to clearly and concisely describe challenges, obstacles, or situations that a group of people had to deal with. It's a direct and effective way to convey the idea of confrontation or experience.

Common error

Ensure that the tense of the verb "faced" is consistent with the rest of the sentence and the context of the narrative. Avoid mixing past and present tenses inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they faced" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed by a group of people. It's used to describe the act of encountering or dealing with challenges, obstacles, or opposition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they faced" is a grammatically sound and highly frequent verb phrase used to describe situations where a group of individuals encountered challenges, obstacles, or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register and serves to narrate events and inform about people's experiences. Consider alternatives like "they encountered" or "they confronted" for nuanced meanings, and ensure consistent tense usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they encountered

This alternative directly replaces "faced" with "encountered", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

they confronted

This alternative suggests a more direct and potentially combative interaction than "faced".

they experienced

This alternative focuses on the sensation or feeling resulting from the situation.

they underwent

This alternative emphasizes the process of enduring or going through a challenge.

they dealt with

This alternative highlights the act of managing or handling a specific problem or situation.

they grappled with

This alternative suggests a struggle or effort to overcome a difficulty.

they were up against

This alternative conveys the idea of opposition or adversity.

they had to contend with

This alternative indicates a necessity to struggle or compete against something.

they ran into

This alternative suggests an unexpected or chance encounter with a difficulty.

they were challenged by

This alternative emphasizes the stimulating or demanding nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "they faced" in a sentence?

"They faced" is used to describe challenges or situations that a group of people encountered. For example, "They faced numerous obstacles during the project" or "They faced harsh criticism for their decisions".

What are some alternatives to "they faced"?

Alternatives to "they faced" include "they encountered", "they confronted", or "they experienced". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they face" instead of "they faced"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "They face" is present tense, used for current or habitual situations, while "they faced" is past tense, used for completed events.

What is the difference between "they faced" and "they were faced with"?

"They faced" implies a direct action or confrontation initiated by the subject, while "they were faced with" suggests a passive reception of a situation or challenge. For example, "They faced the enemy" vs. "They were faced with a difficult decision".