a long-term struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long-term struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or conflict that persists over an extended period of time. Example: "The community has faced a long-term struggle against poverty and inequality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Right now I'm really excited about laying the groundwork for a long-term struggle," Holmes explained.

The Guardian

The war against terrorism is a long-term struggle and has no borders.

The New Yorker

"We'll support freedom fighters who are prepared to engage in a long-term struggle".

The New York Times

He has taken direct control of the school system as part of a long-term struggle to raise standards.

The Economist

Creating a more equitable society, he said, is a long-term struggle that inevitably makes many uncomfortable.

The New York Times

The dissidents of the 1970s knew they were engaged in a long-term struggle with no guarantee of success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is a long term struggle and our efforts so far are not sufficient.

The Guardian

"We are launching this as a long term struggle against a government that is trying to ruin our living conditions.

Vice

We now confront an expensive, long-term struggle to keep a fractious society from spinning dangerously out of control, and our unapologetic near-unilateralism has left us without much sympathy, or support, from our nominal allies.

The New Yorker

Both the hunger striking students and the striking faculty are engaged in an epic long-term struggle to save the CSU from the privatizers and profiteers who want to turn it into a business.

Huffington Post

Sharing a balanced view of our long-term struggle with the global public, and sustaining political will to save lives with the tools we have now, is as important, challenging, and achievable as managing insecticide resistance among mosquitoes.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long-term struggle", ensure the context clearly establishes the extended duration and the significant effort involved. Avoid using it for short-term or easily resolved issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a long-term struggle" to describe situations that are merely inconvenient or require minimal effort. Reserve it for genuinely protracted and demanding challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long-term struggle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sustained and persistent effort against adversity. As Ludwig explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long-term struggle" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe prolonged and challenging efforts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific discussions, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a sustained effort over an extended period. Consider alternatives like "a protracted battle" or "a sustained effort" to fine-tune the specific meaning. Avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a protracted battle

Emphasizes the combative nature and extended duration of the effort.

a sustained effort

Focuses on the continuous and ongoing nature of the endeavor.

a prolonged campaign

Suggests a more organized and strategic approach to the long-term effort.

an enduring conflict

Highlights the persistent and lasting nature of the disagreement or opposition.

a drawn-out ordeal

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness of the prolonged experience.

a marathon endeavor

Implies a long and demanding task requiring endurance.

a continuing challenge

Highlights the ongoing difficulties and obstacles faced.

a persistent fight

Focuses on the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles.

a lengthy undertaking

Emphasizes the significant amount of time required to complete the task.

a chronic problem

Describes a recurring and persistent issue that requires ongoing attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a long-term struggle" in a sentence?

You can use "a long-term struggle" to describe any situation that involves continuous effort and persistence over an extended period. For example: "The fight against climate change is "a long-term struggle" requiring global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "a long-term struggle"?

Alternatives include "a protracted battle", "a sustained effort", or "a prolonged campaign", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a long-term struggle" in formal writing?

Yes, "a long-term struggle" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious or significant challenges that require sustained effort over time. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What distinguishes "a long-term struggle" from a short-term challenge?

"A long-term struggle" implies an ongoing effort that spans months, years, or even decades, while a short-term challenge is typically resolved within days or weeks. The key difference is the duration and the sustained commitment required.