SpeakUp

Grammar fix

face up to

accept and deal with (something difficult or unpleasant)

To accept and deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation, instead of ignoring or avoiding it.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • It's time to face up to the fact that we need to make some changes.daily life
  • In my opinion, people should face up to their mistakes instead of blaming others, because that's how we learn and improve.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: face up to + noun/pronoun

WrongHe must face up his mistakes.

RightHe must face up to his mistakes.

Always 'face up TO'.

Patternface up to + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She must acknowledge and confront her financial difficulties.

Natural She needs to face up to her debts.

'Acknowledge and confront' is wordy; 'face up to' carries 'stop avoiding it' in one phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • face up to
    realityyour responsibilitiesthe truthfacts

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'face', which can just mean to confront something. 'Face up to' emphasizes accepting and dealing with it, not just meeting it.

Try it in Daily Speak →