to face something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to face something" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone confronting or dealing with a difficult situation. For example: "John has to face his financial difficulties head on in order to get back on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is hard to prepare a horse to face something you cannot mimic.

The New York Times

"You know, growing up they always said our seventh generation was gonna have to face something.

The Guardian

Some, like the pilgrims, arrive with a sense of hope, and the energy to face something new.

The New York Times - Food

"It's the one workout where people truly have to face something that is unbeatable," the speedskater Apolo Ohno said.

The New York Times - Sports

Should England get past Sri Lanka on Thursday, it is likely to face something still more formidable in the final Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

There's every reason to expect that once the reality of Cameron and Clegg's cuts programme hits home, Britain is likely to face something similar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Set for Similar to facing something, but without the ominous threat, clubs tend to be set for cup draws, while players patiently find themselves set for a move elsewhere.

The Guardian - Sport

Shiban made this decision not only to surprise the audience, but also to have the Winchesters face something they had never encountered before.

Wikipedia

"They never tell you how to stand up and face something like I've been faced with for the past two years.

The Guardian

"But if we do not change direction and regain control of the land in this region we will face something similar to your mad cow disease".

The Guardian

"It was a brilliant occasion on Saturday at Murrayfield and to be facing something like that again will be a brilliant challenge.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to face something" when you want to emphasize the act of confronting a specific challenge or obstacle, rather than simply dealing with it in a general sense.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "to be faced with something" can weaken your writing. Opt for active voice where possible (e.g., "They must face the consequences" instead of "They are to be faced with the consequences").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to face something" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of confronting or dealing with a particular challenge, situation, or obstacle. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to face something" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe the act of confronting a challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, consider whether alternatives like "to confront something" or "to deal with something" might provide a more precise nuance. Avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain strong writing. With its frequent use in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "to face something" remains a reliable choice for expressing confrontation with a specific issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to confront something

This alternative emphasizes a direct and often forceful approach to dealing with a challenge.

to deal with something

This suggests a process of managing or handling a situation, often implying a less confrontational approach.

to grapple with something

This implies struggling or wrestling with a problem or difficulty, highlighting the effort involved.

to contend with something

Similar to 'deal with', but often suggests a more significant level of difficulty or opposition.

to address something

This suggests a focused and deliberate effort to resolve an issue.

to tackle something

This implies a proactive and energetic approach to overcoming a challenge.

to encounter something

Suggests an unplanned or unexpected meeting with a challenge or situation.

to meet something head-on

Emphasizes a direct and fearless approach to confronting a challenge.

to brave something

Highlights the courage and resilience needed to face a difficult situation.

to withstand something

This emphasizes the ability to endure and resist the negative effects of a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "to face something" in a sentence?

You can use "to face something" to describe encountering a challenge or obstacle. For example, "The company had "to face something" unexpected during the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "to face something"?

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

Is "to face with something" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "to face something" without the preposition "with". "To be faced with something" is a passive construction that is grammatically correct but can sometimes be less direct.

What is the difference between "to face something" and "to face up to something"?

"To face something" generally means to encounter or deal with something. "To face up to something" implies acknowledging and accepting the reality of a difficult situation, often one that has been avoided.