we are confronted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are confronted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where individuals face challenges, dilemmas, or difficult circumstances. Example: "In today's society, we are confronted with numerous ethical questions regarding technology and privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are confronted by three, unnamed characters.

The Guardian

We are confronted here with time passing.

The New York Times

"We are confronted primarily with a moral issue.

The New York Times

"We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now".

The New Yorker

And so we are confronted by a paradox.

The Guardian

We are confronted by challenges of immense proportions.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are not bound by situations we are confronted with.

The Guardian

We are confronted with an all-too-real relationship crisis.

The New York Times

Today we are confronted with the brutal reality – that efforts so far are insufficient.

Independent

"Each time we are confronted with these situations, we keep getting better and stronger".

Independent

More importantly, wherever we are confronted and in whatever sequence, we will win".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are confronted" when you want to emphasize that a challenge or situation is being directly encountered. It conveys a sense of directness and immediacy.

Common error

While "we are confronted" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in informal writing or conversations. Simpler alternatives like "we face" or "we see" might be more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are confronted" functions as a declarative statement expressing that a group is experiencing or encountering something, often a challenge or problem. Ludwig provides examples across various sources, illustrating this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are confronted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that a group or individual is facing a situation or challenge directly. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While versatile, consider simpler alternatives like "we face" in more informal settings. Remember, using "we are confronted" effectively involves understanding its direct and immediate connotation, making it suitable for emphasizing the encounter with a challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we face

This alternative offers a direct and simple substitution, removing the passive voice.

we encounter

This alternative suggests a chance meeting or unexpected discovery of something.

we are facing

A more active phrasing emphasizing the continuous nature of addressing a challenge.

we are dealing with

This emphasizes the process of handling or managing a situation.

we are up against

This implies facing strong opposition or a difficult challenge.

we are challenged by

This phrase highlights the stimulating or demanding nature of the situation.

we are presented with

This emphasizes the appearance or offering of something to consider or handle.

we grapple with

Suggests struggling to understand or overcome a difficult issue.

we are forced to contend with

This implies an obligation or necessity to deal with something.

we are in the presence of

This is more suitable when encountering intangible or abstract concepts.

FAQs

What does "we are confronted" mean?

The phrase "we are confronted" means that a group or individual is facing a challenge, problem, or situation directly. It suggests an encounter with something that requires attention or action.

When is it appropriate to use "we are confronted"?

It is appropriate to use "we are confronted" in formal writing, news reports, and academic papers to describe a challenge or situation that needs to be addressed. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the direct and unavoidable nature of the encounter.

What can I say instead of "we are confronted"?

You can use alternatives like "we face", "we encounter", or "we are facing" depending on the context. These alternatives offer a similar meaning while varying the level of formality.

What's the difference between "we are confronted" and "we are facing"?

While both phrases indicate encountering a challenge, "we are confronted" can suggest a more immediate and direct encounter. "We are facing" often implies a longer-term challenge or ongoing situation.