a potential struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possible difficulties or challenges that may arise in a situation. Example: "Starting a new business can be exciting, but it also comes with a potential struggle to secure funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's always nice to eliminate a potential struggle, and this becomes a bit of a fun little ritual for us.

University of California, Berkeley

England will try to reintegrate Chris Tremlett into the bowling set-up in a non-playing capacity during the one-day series in India, although they face a potential struggle because of opposition from Surrey.

The Guardian - Sport

A1 Rumsfeld Tightens Hold Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is moving to strengthen his control over the military's intelligence apparatus, setting up a potential struggle for dominance of the American intelligence community.

The New York Times

Be prepared for a potential struggle.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The potential struggle looks an uneven one, but it nonetheless brings some bidding tension into what has been seen somewhat an uncontested bid approach," Michael Rawlinson of Liberium Capital said Thursday.

Forbes

But could I do it, place myself on the site of a potential custody struggle between a maybe porn star and her some kind of human-trafficker ex?

The New York Times

According to the account, Starr stood up and eloquently exhorted his fellow players, including some of the biggest names in the game, to put bickering and egos aside and form a united front for a potential labor struggle.

The New York Times - Sports

However, with Albion beginning to worry about a potential relegation struggle after Tuesday's scrambled draw at home to Swansea left them without a win in four Premier League matches, 32-year-old England goalkeeper Foster made his feelings bluntly clear.

Independent

ZINTAN, Libya — Libyan militia fighters on Saturday captured Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, the last fugitive son and onetime heir apparent of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, setting off nationwide celebrations but also exposing a potential power struggle between former-rebel factions over his handling.

The New York Times

His failure to attend a series of meetings with foreign figures had fuelled feverish speculation over his health and a potential power struggle.

BBC

The choice of Vanhecke was seen a compromise between the Flemish nationalist wing around Annemans and the Lepenist wing around Dewinter, thus avoiding a potential internal struggle.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a potential struggle" to introduce a possible future difficulty, challenge, or conflict, particularly when outlining risks or anticipating problems in planning or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a potential struggle" when a simpler term like 'challenge' or 'difficulty' would suffice. Overusing 'struggle' can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pessimistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential struggle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the possibility of facing difficulties or challenges in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential struggle" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that introduces the possibility of future difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it is suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register and can be substituted by a possible challenge or a likely difficulty, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Predominantly found in news and academic sources according to the examples provided by Ludwig, this expression effectively sets the stage for discussing and addressing potential future issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a possible difficulty

Replaces 'potential' with 'possible', indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

a likely challenge

Substitutes 'struggle' with 'challenge', framing the situation as something to overcome.

a looming conflict

Emphasizes the impending nature of the struggle, suggesting it is close at hand.

an impending difficulty

Combines the sense of imminence with the notion of something difficult.

a brewing confrontation

Suggests a conflict is developing or intensifying.

a developing problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the struggle, highlighting its potential for negative consequences.

an emerging obstacle

Presents the struggle as a barrier or impediment that is just beginning to appear.

a growing tension

Highlights the increasing stress or strain that characterizes the struggle.

a nascent dispute

Indicates that the struggle is in its early stages of development.

an uphill battle

Frames the struggle as a difficult and arduous undertaking.

FAQs

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

Use "a potential struggle" to describe a situation where difficulties or conflicts might arise. For example, "The company faces "a potential struggle" to maintain its market share in the face of new competition."

What are some alternatives to "a potential struggle"?

You can use alternatives such as "a possible challenge", "a likely difficulty", or "a looming conflict depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a potential struggle" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing risks, challenges, or conflicts in a professional or academic setting. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What is the difference between "a potential struggle" and "a power struggle"?

"A potential struggle" refers to any possible difficulty or conflict, while "a power struggle" specifically denotes a conflict for dominance or control, often within an organization or political context.