we were faced

USAGE SUMMARY

'we were faced' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "We were faced with an impossible decision: to stay or leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Before, we were faced by Arab anger," he told me.

The New Yorker

We were faced with something new in our experience.

The New Yorker

Stephen argues that we were faced with the same challenges when calculators entered the classroom.

The Guardian

But we were faced with a dilemma about what to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whilst this sort of research was invaluable, we were faced with a slight problem.

Independent

At ESPN, we were faced with a touch-and-go situation.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were faced with armed Palestinians, who shot at us from behind covers and rooftops.

The New York Times

"After the withdrawal of Baycol, we were faced with a gross problem in pharmaceuticals," he said in an interview today.

The New York Times

"We were faced by a judicial vacuum as the assize court had ordered no restrictions, even on foreign travel".

The Guardian

Today, if we were faced with a full-blown legislative assault, we simply would not have the war chest".

The New York Times

In the end, we were faced with a condition we could neither explain nor treat very effectively.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were faced", ensure the subject clearly indicates who is experiencing the situation. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were faced by" when "we were faced with" is intended. "Faced with" correctly conveys the idea of confronting a situation or challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were faced" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) received the action of being confronted by a situation or challenge. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were faced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe encountering a particular situation or challenge. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly suitable for written English. Its primary function is to introduce a scenario that required a response. The analysis reveals its common usage in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, confirming its versatility. When using this phrase, it's important to consider who is facing the situation to ensure clarity. While "we were faced by" is sometimes used, the construction "we were faced with" is generally preferred for its clarity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we encountered

Focuses on the act of meeting or experiencing something, often unexpectedly.

we confronted

Emphasizes a direct and often challenging encounter.

we were presented with

Highlights the act of something being offered or shown to us.

we came up against

Indicates a conflict or obstacle that needs to be overcome.

we had to deal with

Emphasizes the necessity of managing or handling a situation.

we experienced

A broader term indicating that something happened to us.

we were up against

Highlights a situation where one is in opposition to something.

we were challenged by

Emphasizes the stimulating or testing nature of the encounter.

we ran into

Suggests an unplanned or accidental meeting with something.

we grappled with

Implies a struggle or difficulty in understanding or resolving something.

FAQs

How can I use "we were faced" in a sentence?

Use "we were faced" to describe a situation where you or a group encountered a challenge or problem. For example, "We were faced with a difficult decision."

What are some alternatives to "we were faced"?

You can use alternatives like "we encountered", "we confronted", or "we were presented with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we were faced by" instead of "we were faced with"?

While "we were faced by" is sometimes used, "we were faced with" is generally considered more standard and clearer in conveying the intended meaning. "We were faced with" is preferred.

What does "we were faced" imply about a situation?

It implies that you or a group encountered a situation that required attention, often involving challenges or decisions. It highlights the experience of confronting something significant.