when faced with adversity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when faced with adversity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone encounters challenges or difficulties and how they respond to them. Example: "When faced with adversity, many people discover their true strength and resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Some people fare better than others when faced with adversity; they appear to be more 'resilient'resilient

Journal of Aging Studies

It was from that moment that I decided anything could be possible when faced with adversity.

The Guardian

When faced with adversity, cells go into defensive mode, he explained.

The Washington Post

In a similar vein, Mr. Hazare frequently says when faced with adversity, "I am ready to face the bullets".

The New York Times

Baril sympathized with this wariness, noting that the average businessperson's commitment to win-win does not forsake the right to abandon this belief when faced with adversity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Members of more fundamentalist ­­faiths experienced greater hope, were more optimistic when faced with adversity and were less likely to be depressed than their counterparts," she writes.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Hollywood veterans Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy are superb as the Duke brothers: sinister, ageing millionaires who have a bet going that any lowlife, given enough cash and the good things in life, can pass for a member of America's higher echelons, and conversely that an upper-cruster will collapse when faced with financial adversity.

The Guardian - Film

However when faced with these adversities it really comes down to choice.

Huffington Post

Recognizing those who helped him succeed, Mr. Obama touched on a simple yet critical truth: When faced with obstacles and adversity, we need the dedication and care of others to help us succeed.

Huffington Post

People in this country are generous when faced with stories of terrible adversity.

Forbes

What he manages to admire in Mr Chirac are not achievements or policies, but personal qualities: "his energy, his tenacity, his force of character when faced with adversity .As it happens, and as the author himself half-recognises in an aside, these are characteristics that Mr Chirac shares with none other than Mr Sarkozy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "when faced with adversity" with a specific action or trait to create a vivid picture of how someone handles hardship. For example, "When faced with adversity, she demonstrated remarkable courage."

Common error

Avoid using "when faced with adversity" as a mere preamble without specifying who is facing the adversity. Ensure the subject is clear to maintain an active and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when faced with adversity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating the time or circumstances under which the action in the main clause occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sets a conditional context for the main statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when faced with adversity" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a challenging situation, setting the stage for discussing responses, resilience, or coping strategies. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "in the face of adversity" exist, the key is to maintain clarity and specify who is facing the challenge. Remember to use this phrase to highlight the adaptive responses to difficult situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the face of adversity

Emphasizes the act of confronting a challenging situation directly.

when challenges arise

Focuses on the occurrence of difficulties rather than the confrontation.

under difficult circumstances

Highlights the state of being in unfavorable conditions.

in times of hardship

Focuses on the period of suffering and testing one's endurance.

amidst setbacks

Highlights the presence of obstacles that delay or prevent progress.

when things get tough

A more informal way of saying when situations become difficult.

during trying times

Stresses the aspect of testing one's patience and resilience.

when life presents difficulties

Acknowledges the role of life in posing challenges.

despite obstacles

Emphasizes continuing forward even when barriers are present.

in moments of crisis

Highlights the severity and urgency of the situation.

FAQs

What does "when faced with adversity" mean?

The phrase "when faced with adversity" refers to encountering challenging, difficult, or unfavorable situations. It often implies a need to respond with resilience or problem-solving skills.

How can I use "when faced with adversity" in a sentence?

You can use "when faced with adversity" to describe how someone reacts to a challenge. For example, "When faced with adversity, she remained optimistic and found creative solutions."

What are some alternatives to "when faced with adversity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the face of adversity", "in times of hardship", or "under difficult circumstances", which all convey similar meanings depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "when faced with adversity" or "in the face of adversity"?

Both "when faced with adversity" and "in the face of adversity" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "when faced with adversity" emphasizes the timing of the challenge, while "in the face of adversity" highlights direct confrontation.