to confront

USAGE SUMMARY

"to confront" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used as a verb and means to face or challenge someone or something in a direct and often uncomfortable way. Example: I knew I had to confront my fears and speak up in the meeting, even though it made me nervous.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To connect, honor, to confront".

The New Yorker

Hence the reluctance to confront the issue.

The Economist

We have to confront this menace.

Independent

Japanese interceptor jets scrambled to confront it.

The New York Times

Realpolitik is about to confront local realities.

The New York Times

This is very frustrating hockey to confront.

The New Yorker

Southern Sudanese soldiers rushed to confront them.

The New York Times

But Eduardo seemed ready to confront reality.

The New Yorker

Dano wanted to confront Aaron immediately.

The New Yorker

McClellan set off to confront them.

The New York Times

Sargent flew to Seattle to confront Amazon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to confront", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or whom is being faced. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to confront" when a more neutral term like "to address" or "to discuss" would be more appropriate. "To confront" carries a sense of opposition or challenge, which may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to confront" primarily functions as a verb, indicating an action of directly addressing or facing a challenge, person, or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to confront" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the act of directly addressing or facing a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for news, scientific, and general discourse. When writing, remember that its usage implies the presence of a challenging situation and that more neutral verbs might be better depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to face up to

Emphasizes accepting and dealing with something difficult or unpleasant.

to address

Focuses more on actively dealing with an issue rather than directly facing someone or something.

to tackle

Implies dealing with a problem or challenge in a determined and efficient way.

to contend with

Implies facing difficulties or opposition in dealing with something.

to deal with

A more general term for handling or managing a situation or problem.

to take on

Implies accepting a challenge or responsibility willingly.

to grapple with

Suggests struggling or wrestling with a difficult issue or problem.

to challenge

Stresses questioning or disputing something, often with the aim of changing it.

to encounter

Focuses on unexpectedly meeting or experiencing something, often a challenge.

to oppose

Highlights direct resistance or challenge to something.

FAQs

How can I use "to confront" in a sentence?

The phrase "to confront" is used to express the act of facing a difficult situation or person directly. For example, "We need "to confront" the issue of climate change" or "She decided "to confront" her fears".

What are some alternatives to "to confront"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to address", "to tackle", "to face up to", or "to deal with".

When is it appropriate to use "to confront" instead of "to address"?

"To confront" implies a more direct and potentially challenging approach, suitable for situations involving opposition or conflict. "To address" is more neutral and suggests dealing with a problem or issue without necessarily implying confrontation.

Is "to confront" formal or informal language?

The phrase "to confront" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news reporting, academic writing, and professional settings where directness is valued.