they have faced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have faced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenges or difficulties that a subject has encountered in the past. Example: "Throughout their journey, they have faced numerous obstacles that tested their resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They have faced financial difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

They have faced player uprisings.

The Guardian - Sport

Since 1992, they have faced tighter environmental rules.

The Economist

"They have faced sadness and defeat and loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They have faced bigger challenges than opening AOL".

The New York Times

They have faced jets and planes and rockets.

The New York Times

Doctors at other hospitals also say they have faced pressure to meet financial targets.

The New York Times

The long history of their efforts reveals the complexities and difficulties they have faced.

The Economist

Those involved in street protests over the past year say that they have faced widespread brutality.

The New York Times

Yes, they have faced challenging obstacles but have met and overcome them successfully.

The New York Times

They have faced a mix of ambushes and sustained engagements along with intermittent sniper fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they have faced", ensure that the subject (they) is clearly defined and the context provides sufficient information about what they have faced. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they have faced" when the referent of "they" is unclear. Always ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have faced" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It describes actions or experiences that a subject ('they') has encountered at some point in their past. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have faced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote past experiences or encounters. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and versatile in different writing contexts. The examples predominantly appear in news and media sources, with neutral register suitable for both formal and informal content. While alternatives like "they encountered" or "they experienced" exist, it's crucial to maintain clarity by explicitly defining who "they" refers to. Therefore, when aiming to describe past situations or challenges, "they have faced" remains a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they encountered

Focuses on the act of meeting or coming upon something, often unexpectedly.

they experienced

Highlights the personal or emotional impact of an event or situation.

they confronted

Emphasizes a direct and often challenging encounter.

they dealt with

Focuses on the process of managing or handling a situation.

they underwent

Implies a process or experience that one has been subjected to.

they were subjected to

Highlights the passive reception of an action or experience.

they were exposed to

Focuses on the state of being introduced to something, often a risk or influence.

they battled

Conveys a sense of struggle and resistance against something.

they grappled with

Implies a difficult and prolonged struggle to understand or overcome something.

they withstood

Emphasizes resistance and survival in the face of adversity.

FAQs

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

Use "they have faced" to indicate challenges, experiences, or opponents that a group or entity has encountered. For instance, "Despite the odds, "they have overcome" numerous obstacles" or "they have dealt with significant adversity".

What are some alternatives to "they have faced"?

Alternatives include "they encountered", "they experienced", "they confronted", or "they dealt with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "they have faced" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they have faced" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect tense to describe actions or experiences that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and continue to have relevance.

What's the difference between "they faced" and "they have faced"?

"They faced" (simple past) describes a completed action in the past, while "they have faced" (present perfect) suggests the action has relevance or consequences in the present. For example, "They faced challenges" implies the challenges are over, whereas "they have faced challenges" implies those challenges may still affect them.