we are faced with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we are faced with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular challenge or situation. For example, "We are faced with the difficult task of finding a way to reduce our carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are faced with a looming disaster".

Independent

We are faced with two possibilities.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are faced with a Hobson's choice.

The New York Times

We are faced with a fundamental dilemma.

The Guardian

This is true when we are faced with new technologies.

Cornell University

Firstly, we are faced with an increasing complexity of knowledge.

Stanford University

Support: As postdocs we are faced with many similar issues.

Princeton University

"We usually stiffen up when we are faced with adversity.

The New York Times

"With terrorism we are faced with difficult challenges.

The New York Times

Small wonder we are faced with democratic bankruptcy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are faced with increased enrollment and aging facilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "we are faced with" when you want to convey a sense of shared responsibility or a collective challenge that the group or entity needs to address together.

Common error

While "we are faced with" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound passive. Consider rephrasing with a more active voice when appropriate, such as "we face" or "we confront", for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are faced with" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for a discussion of a problem, challenge, or situation. Ludwig AI shows this construction is widely accepted in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are faced with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase employed to introduce a challenge or situation. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase works effectively across diverse writing contexts. Its neutral-to-professional register makes it suitable for various forms of communication, including news, academic works, and business reports. While it's a useful construction, writers should avoid overusing the passive voice and consider more direct alternatives like "we face" when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are confronting

Focuses on the act of directly addressing a challenge.

we are encountering

Emphasizes the experience of coming across a situation, often unexpectedly.

we are up against

Highlights the competitive or adversarial aspect of the challenge.

we are dealing with

Focuses on the process of managing or handling a situation.

we are grappling with

Emphasizes the struggle or difficulty in understanding or resolving a problem.

we are contending with

Highlights the effort and perseverance required to manage a challenging situation.

we are experiencing

Focuses on the passive reception of a situation or condition.

we are subject to

Highlights the idea of being under the control or influence of a situation.

we must contend with

Highlights a sense of necessity in dealing with something.

we have to manage

Highlights the active role of the subject in controlling a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "we are faced with" in a sentence?

Use "we are faced with" to introduce a challenging situation or problem that needs to be addressed. For example, "We are faced with the challenge of increasing our market share."

What can I say instead of "we are faced with"?

Alternatives include "we are confronting", "we are encountering", or "we are dealing with", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "we are faced with"?

While "we are faced with" is grammatically correct, using an active voice construction like "we face" can often make your writing more direct and impactful. Choose the phrasing that best suits the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "we are faced with" and "we are confronting"?

"We are faced with" generally indicates a situation presented to us, while "we are confronting" suggests a more active and direct engagement with the challenge. The nuance lies in the level of proactivity implied.