What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
encountered
Example
I encountered my old friend from high school at the grocery store. [encountered: verb]
Example
We encountered a problem with the project that we didn't anticipate. [encountered: past tense]
faced
Example
She faced her fear of public speaking by taking a course. [faced: verb]
Example
We are facing a budget shortfall this quarter. [facing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Faced is more commonly used than encountered in everyday language. Faced is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while encountered is less common and refers to chance or unexpected meetings or experiences.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between encountered and faced?
Both encountered and faced can be used in formal and informal contexts, but faced may be slightly more formal due to its proactive and determined connotation.
