when facing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when facing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a situation where a person is dealing with a difficult obstacle or challenge. For instance, "When facing a difficult opponent, it is important to keep a level head and stay focused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've heard his voice when facing challenges.

The New York Times

However, this metaheuristic is excessively costing when facing large instances.

Procedia Computer Science

Picture a flower that opens when facing the sunlight.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It rarely does when facing a geographical rival.

The New York Times - Sports

When facing imminent death, eating light is to be advised".

The New York Times

He is reduced to tears when facing his homework.

The New York Times

I said, My pulse rises only when facing you.

The New York Times

On their own, many people misstep when facing a judge.

The New York Times

When facing the sink, there's a valley straight ahead.

The New York Times

People become paralyzed rather than creative when facing challenges.

Harvard Business Review

We should all be so brave when facing our end.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when facing" to introduce a specific challenge or obstacle, followed by the action or response taken. This helps create a clear cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "when facing" in situations that don't involve a significant challenge. Simpler phrases like "when seeing" or "when doing" may be more appropriate for everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when facing" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically introducing a subordinate clause of time or condition. It sets the context for the main clause, indicating when or under what circumstances the action in the main clause occurs. Ludwig AI validates the proper use of "when facing" for describing difficult challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when facing" is a versatile phrase used to set the stage for actions taken in response to a challenge or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "when confronting" or "in the face of" exist, "when facing" maintains a neutral tone suitable for formal and informal writing. To enhance clarity, use "when facing" to specifically highlight the challenge prompting a response. However, avoid its overuse in situations that do not present a genuine challenge, opting for simpler language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when confronting

Directly replaces "facing" with "confronting", emphasizing a direct encounter with something.

when dealing with

Focuses on the process of handling or managing a situation, rather than the act of facing it.

in the face of

Emphasizes resilience and determination in the presence of adversity.

when encountering

Highlights the experience of coming across or meeting something, often unexpectedly.

as you grapple with

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in confronting a problem.

when challenged by

Specifically refers to being confronted with a challenge or difficult task.

under the circumstances of

Shifts the focus to the specific conditions or situation at hand.

given the situation of

Emphasizes the existing state of affairs as a context for action.

considering

Offers a more general way to acknowledge a situation before taking action.

in light of

Highlights the importance of new information or awareness when making decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "when facing" in a sentence?

You can use "when facing" to describe a situation where someone encounters a challenge or obstacle, such as, "When facing a difficult decision, it's important to consider all options carefully."

What are some alternatives to "when facing"?

Some alternatives to "when facing" include "when confronting", "when dealing with", or "in the face of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "when facing" to describe challenges?

No, sometimes simpler language is more appropriate. For instance, use "when doing" for simple actions, reserving "when facing" for more significant obstacles.

What's the difference between "when facing" and "if you encounter"?

"When facing" implies a direct confrontation with a challenge, while "if you encounter" suggests a possibility or chance occurrence. The choice depends on whether the challenge is certain or potential.