a marathon struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marathon struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long and arduous effort or challenge that requires significant endurance and perseverance. Example: "The team faced a marathon struggle to complete the project on time, but their hard work ultimately paid off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should you never have run a marathon, or be struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the overall performance, try running two laps of your local track in that time.

BBC

"It knows it is running a marathon, while Ankara sees the struggle as a 100-meter dash.

Huffington Post

Abel Kirui, who hadn't won a marathon since 2011, was visibly struggling, repeatedly falling behind and then clawing his way back.

The New Yorker

Kerry Lee is the new name for punters to remember whenever they are struggling with a marathon jumps race, the rookie trainer having added the Classic Chase here to her Welsh Grand National success the previous Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

It was the fifth defeat in a Wimbledon final for Reid, who said the effects of a marathon semi-final had left them struggling.

The Guardian - Sport

I understand the rightful rage many feel, but the struggle for justice is a marathon, not a sprint.

Huffington Post

Most notable is the final scene, a marathon five-minute single take, in which Emilie Dequenne struggles with a hefty gas canister, herself apparently at physical breaking point.

The Guardian - Film

Both players struggled to hold their serves in a marathon match that lasted three hours and two minutes.

BBC

Leaders in sacrifice zones have used the environmental justice movement to leverage the power imbalance between polluting industries and fenceline residents—understanding that the struggle is not a sprint but is more akin to a marathon.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Run a marathon.

The New York Times - Books

"He ran a marathon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marathon struggle" when you want to emphasize not only the difficulty of a challenge but also its extended duration, implying that endurance and perseverance are key to overcoming it.

Common error

Avoid using "a marathon struggle" to describe short-term challenges. This phrase is best reserved for situations that require sustained effort over a significant period.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a marathon struggle" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a prolonged and arduous challenge. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate to use this expression to describe a long and arduous effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marathon struggle" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a prolonged and difficult challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the element of endurance and sustained effort. Consider alternatives like "a prolonged battle" or "an enduring hardship" to fine-tune your message. Avoid using it for short-term challenges. Remember to contextualize it to provide a deeper understanding of the complexity of the struggle. Overall, it's an effective phrase to convey the intensity and duration of a difficult undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prolonged battle

Emphasizes the combative aspect and extended duration.

an enduring hardship

Highlights the difficulty and the need to withstand adversity over time.

a protracted ordeal

Focuses on the unpleasant and difficult nature of the experience and its lengthy duration.

a sustained effort

Stresses the continuous and dedicated work required.

a lengthy challenge

Simply emphasizes the long duration of the difficulty.

a drawn-out conflict

Highlights the prolonged and often contentious nature of the situation.

a relentless pursuit

Emphasizes the unwavering and persistent effort towards a goal despite difficulties.

a long-term endeavor

Focuses on the extended timescale and commitment required for the undertaking.

an extended campaign

Implies a planned and organized effort over a considerable period.

a persistent fight

Highlights the continuous and determined resistance against opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marathon struggle" to describe a long and difficult challenge that requires sustained effort and perseverance. For example, "The company faced "a marathon struggle" to regain its market share after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "a marathon struggle"?

Alternatives include "a prolonged battle", "an enduring hardship", or "a sustained effort", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a marathon struggle" an idiom?

While it uses "marathon" metaphorically to imply length and endurance, "a marathon struggle" is not a fixed idiom but a common and readily understood phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "a marathon struggle" versus "a sprint"?

"A marathon struggle" is appropriate for challenges that require long-term commitment and resilience, while "a sprint" is suitable for short, intense bursts of effort. The choice depends on the timeframe and nature of the challenge.