to be faced with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be faced with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "We are faced with the task of finding a way to improve sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's horrible to be faced with this.

The Guardian

He's going to be faced with this.

The New York Times - Sports

You're going to be faced with a strong Democratic Congress.

The New Yorker

Then we're going to be faced with interesting choices.

The New York Times

What is it like to be faced with such statistics?

The New York Times - Health

And now voters are going to be faced with a head-spinningly confusing message.

Independent

Defaulters in wealthy communities are not likely to be faced with eviction by the sheriff.

The New York Times

In his second term in office, Ratsiraka continued to be faced with economic and political challenges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

George Bush, just like his father, doesn't like to be faced with choices".

The New Yorker

That was an interesting set of obstacles, hurdles to be faced with early on.

The New York Times

The gap was to be faced with stone on either side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be faced with" to describe situations that present challenges or require a decision. This phrase is particularly useful when emphasizing the act of confronting something significant.

Common error

Avoid using "to be faced with" interchangeably with phrases like "to face" if the context requires a passive construction or emphasizes the state of being confronted rather than the action of facing directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be faced with" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something is encountering a particular situation, often a challenge or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

17%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be faced with" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey the experience of encountering a situation, often a challenge. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, this phrase provides a neutral way to introduce a problem or decision point. When writing, remember to use "to be faced with" when emphasizing the state of being confronted rather than the act of facing directly. Alternatives such as "to encounter", "to confront", and "to deal with" can be used to adjust the emphasis of your message. In short, understanding "to be faced with" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to deal with

A general term that encompasses the act of managing or taking action in response to a circumstance.

to confront

This alternative emphasizes a more direct and potentially challenging interaction with a situation.

to address

Focuses on taking direct action to tackle or resolve a problem or situation.

to encounter

This alternative focuses on the act of meeting something, emphasizing a direct meeting with a circumstance.

to contend with

Similar to 'grapple with', this emphasizes a need to overcome or manage difficulties.

to grapple with

This phrase suggests a struggle or effort in dealing with something difficult.

to experience

This broad term highlights the act of undergoing or living through a situation.

to undergo

This phrase emphasizes the process of being subjected to or experiencing something, often passively.

to meet with

This alternative suggests an encounter or a situation one has to address or handle.

to handle

This term focuses on the ability to manage or deal with a situation effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "to be faced with" in a sentence?

Use "to be faced with" to describe a situation where someone has to deal with a challenge or problem. For instance, "The company is "to be faced with" a difficult decision regarding budget cuts".

What phrases are similar to "to be faced with"?

Alternatives include "to encounter", "to confront", or "to deal with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to face" or "to be faced with"?

Use "to face" when someone actively confronts a challenge. Use "to be faced with" when someone is in a situation where they must passively receive or deal with that challenge. Example: "He had to face the consequences" vs. "He was "to be faced with" the consequences".

What's the difference between "to be faced with" and "to experience"?

"To experience" is a broader term for undergoing something. "To be faced with" specifically implies dealing with a challenge or difficulty. You might "experience" joy or sorrow, but you are usually "faced with" problems or tough choices.