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.
In my opinion, people should face up to their mistakes instead of blaming others, because that's how we learn and improve.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He must face up his mistakes.
Say: He must face up to his mistakes.
Always 'face up TO'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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
- reality
- your responsibilities
- the truth
- facts