Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
when I face difficulties
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"when I face difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a challenge you are facing in a particular situation. For example, "It's a difficult situation, but I'm determined to succeed even when I face difficulties."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
I never forgot his smile and his belief in me, and they still motivate me to carry on when I face difficulties.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
But the problem is at home - that's when I face many difficulties from the community members.
News & Media
Moreover, the behaviors of older adults have proved that when they face difficulties, they tend to give up rather than asking for help [28].
Science
Thus, when sadness seeps into your life, when you face difficulties or when you are just trying to get through a hard day, know that you are going to get through it.
News & Media
There will always be trials and tribulations in a relationship, but when you face difficulties with an open mind and actively work through the difficulties, the trust in your relationship will grow stronger.
Wiki
Their involvement with grandchildren may increase when their adult children face difficulties, such as unemployment, bankruptcy, divorce, incarceration, or drug abuse (Gibson 2005).
46 3.46.622 7. I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can rely on my coping abilities.
For instance, when companies faced difficulties in raising some of their stakeholders' interest, they were nevertheless able to involve the more devoted ones (i.e. managing with indifference).
So, when Baz Luhrmann faced difficulties on his forthcoming epic Australia, with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and freely described as the Australian Gone With the Wind, he called Harwood.
News & Media
Midwives may therefore face difficulties when caring for these clients.
It is not uncommon that researchers face difficulties when performing meaningful cross-study comparisons for research.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "when I face difficulties" to introduce a specific action or attitude taken in response to those challenges.
Common error
Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who is taking action to overcome the difficulties. Actively highlight your role in addressing challenges.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "when I face difficulties" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause of a sentence. It introduces a specific time or circumstance under which the action in the main clause occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Academia
10%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "when I face difficulties" is a grammatically correct adverbial clause used to introduce a situation where you encounter challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is perfectly usable to express a challenge you are facing in a particular situation. The phrase is frequently used in news, science and business contexts. While the frequency is uncommon it signals that it is a useful tool to set up context in the sentence and the semantic alternatives provided offer ways to adjust the tone and formality of your writing, to suit different contexts, from describing personal resilience to broader societal challenges. Avoid overuse of passive voice to actively communicate how you deal with the circumstances.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
when I encounter obstacles
Replaces "difficulties" with "obstacles", focusing on impediments to progress.
when I experience hardships
Substitutes "difficulties" with "hardships", emphasizing the severity of the challenges.
when I am confronted with problems
Rephrases the sentence to focus on being "confronted" by "problems".
when I run into trouble
Uses the idiomatic expression "run into trouble" instead of "face difficulties".
if I have problems
Simplifies the phrase to a conditional statement about having problems.
in times of adversity
Shifts the focus to a general period of "adversity" rather than specific instances.
under challenging circumstances
Replaces the personal subject with more formal "circumstances".
when challenges arise
The structure is more generic and impersonal.
when things get tough
Uses informal language ("things get tough") to express the same idea.
during difficult periods
Focuses on the "period" of difficulty rather than the act of facing it.
FAQs
How can I use "when I face difficulties" in a sentence?
You can use "when I face difficulties" to introduce a situation where you encounter challenges and describe your reaction or strategy. For example, "When I face difficulties, I try to remain calm and think strategically."
What are some alternatives to "when I face difficulties"?
Some alternatives include "when I encounter obstacles", "when challenges arise", or "in times of adversity", depending on the context.
Is it better to say "when I face difficulties" or "if I face difficulties"?
"When I face difficulties" implies a higher likelihood or certainty of encountering challenges, whereas "if I face difficulties" suggests a more hypothetical situation. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.
What's the difference between "when I face difficulties" and "when I have difficulties"?
While similar, "when I face difficulties" emphasizes the act of confronting and dealing with challenges, whereas "when I have difficulties" simply states the existence of those challenges. The first phrasing suggests a more active engagement.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested