a difficult struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging situation or effort that requires significant effort or perseverance. Example: "Over the past few months, she faced a difficult struggle to balance her work and personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It's going to be a difficult struggle".

The New York Times

"It has been a difficult struggle through the legal process.

The New York Times

And almost every game is a difficult struggle.

The New York Times

Ours is a difficult struggle; it could even be a long one.

The New York Times

In the Senate, he was engaged in a difficult struggle over a major civil rights bill.

The New York Times

She remains in the throes of a difficult struggle, she said, but that doesn't mean she'll quit her job.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Although hospital executives who have worked with Dr. Berwick describe him as a visionary, inspiring leader, he would have faced a long, difficult struggle to win Senate confirmation.

The New York Times - Health

For Amir Amma, who spent nearly 20 years in state prison on a trumped-up drug charge, finding hope has been a long, difficult struggle.

Huffington Post

Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm John Kirby said the battle against IS was "going to be a long, difficult struggle not solved by military power alone" and that it was a reality that "other towns and villages - and perhaps Kobane - will be taken by IS".

BBC

They don't establish headquarters that are visible or identifiable". Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm John Kirby said the battle against IS was "going to be a long, difficult struggle not solved by military power alone" and that it was a reality that "other towns and villages - and perhaps Kobane - will be taken by IS".

BBC

"It's going to be a long, difficult struggle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult struggle", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being struggled against. Specificity enhances the impact and clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult struggle" excessively in writing that already conveys strong emotion. Overuse can dilute the impact and appear melodramatic. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs or adjectives to describe the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult struggle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a situation or effort involving significant challenges and perseverance, as seen in examples like "Ours is a difficult struggle; it could even be a long one."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult struggle" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations requiring significant effort to overcome obstacles. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the struggle to maximize clarity and impact. When writing, be mindful of overuse, especially in emotionally charged contexts, and consider stronger alternatives like "a tough battle" or "a formidable challenge" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough battle

This alternative suggests a more direct and confrontational challenge.

a challenging ordeal

Emphasizes the demanding and testing nature of the experience.

an uphill battle

Highlights the difficulty and resistance faced.

a hard-fought contest

Focuses on the competitive and determined nature of the effort.

a formidable challenge

Underscores the intimidating and significant nature of the obstacle.

a trying experience

Highlights the testing and stressful nature of the situation.

a grueling endeavor

This implies extreme exhaustion and difficulty over a prolonged period.

a taxing effort

Highlights the depleting and demanding nature of the task.

a demanding task

Focuses on the high requirements and effort needed.

a laborious undertaking

This suggests a task requiring considerable effort and time.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult struggle" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult struggle" to describe any situation that requires significant effort to overcome. For example, "She faced "a difficult struggle" to balance work and family".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult struggle"?

Alternatives include "a tough battle", "a challenging ordeal", or "an uphill battle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a difficult struggle" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider stronger, more precise language in formal contexts. Alternatives like "a formidable challenge" or "a demanding task" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a difficult struggle" and "a difficult time"?

"A difficult struggle" implies a more active and prolonged effort to overcome an obstacle, whereas ""a difficult time"" can refer to a period of hardship without necessarily implying active resistance.