we were faced with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were faced with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or challenge that someone has encountered or had to deal with. Example: "During the project, we were faced with several unexpected obstacles that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

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

"When we tried to leave our shops we were faced with guns and told not to leave.

The Guardian

We were faced with a very difficult decision [but] there is no sound basis to say it was blatantly unfair".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by occasionally substituting "we were faced with" with alternatives like "we encountered" or "we confronted" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "fazed by" when you mean "faced with". "Fazed" means to be disturbed or disconcerted, while "faced" means to encounter or confront. For example, say "We were faced with a difficult decision", not "We were fazed by a difficult decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were faced with" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a situation, problem, or challenge that a group or individual encountered. It indicates that someone had to confront or deal with something specific. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

27%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were faced with" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a challenge, problem, or situation that a group or individual encountered. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting its prevalence in various contexts such as News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure you are clearly introducing a situation that required attention or action, and consider using alternatives like "we encountered" or "we confronted" to vary your writing. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "fazed by". By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the challenges you or your team have faced.

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

Implies a direct and often challenging encounter with a problem or situation.

we were presented with

Suggests that something was offered or brought to our attention, requiring a response.

we were up against

Indicates facing strong opposition or a difficult challenge.

we were challenged by

Highlights the stimulating or demanding nature of the situation.

we had to deal with

Emphasizes the necessity of addressing or managing a particular issue.

we grappled with

Suggests a struggle or difficulty in understanding or resolving something.

we were up against

Implies facing an opponent or a difficult situation that needs to be overcome.

we had to contend with

Focuses on overcoming obstacles or difficulties in achieving a goal.

we ran into

Highlights an unexpected encounter with a problem or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were faced with" to introduce a challenge, problem, or situation that your team or organization encountered. For example, "We were faced with a tight deadline but managed to deliver the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "we were faced with"?

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

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

No, "we were facing with" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "we were faced with", which uses the past participle of the verb "face".

What's the difference between "we were faced with" and "we had to deal with"?

While both phrases indicate encountering a situation, "we were faced with" often implies an element of surprise or unexpectedness. "We had to deal with" suggests a more deliberate or ongoing effort to manage something.