a struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a struggle" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in different contexts to describe a difficult or challenging situation, task, or experience. Here are a few examples: - "The students faced a struggle to understand the complex math problem." - "Despite her efforts, the athlete couldn't seem to overcome the struggle of her injury." - "It's been a real struggle to balance work and family responsibilities." - "The country's economy is currently facing a struggle due to political turmoil." - "After years of struggling with addiction, he finally sought help and began his journey to recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a struggle," Zavala said.

Los Angeles Times

IT IS a struggle.

The Economist

It was a struggle".

The New York Times

There was a struggle.

The New York Times

"It wasn't a struggle".

The New Yorker

A struggle follows.

The New York Times

In a struggle betw.

The New Yorker

"It's still a struggle".

The New York Times

Yet success was a struggle.

The Economist

"Ugh, second year a struggle?

Independent

"Every morning is a struggle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a struggle" to describe a situation or task that requires significant effort to overcome obstacles. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the challenge.

Common error

While "a struggle" is widely applicable, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "difficult" or "hard" when discussing minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a struggle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes a situation characterized by difficulty and effort. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a struggle" is a versatile phrase used to describe a challenging situation or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While "a struggle" can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in casual conversations. Consider using alternatives like "a challenge" or "a hardship" to add variety to your writing. Remember to use "a struggle" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and effort involved in overcoming an obstacle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenge

This emphasizes the aspect of something needing effort and skill to overcome.

an uphill battle

This idiom suggests a particularly difficult struggle with significant obstacles.

a hardship

This alternative highlights the difficult conditions or circumstances.

a battle

This alternative likens the struggle to a fight or conflict.

an ordeal

This alternative emphasizes the painful or difficult experience aspect.

a fight

Similar to 'a battle', it denotes active opposition and effort.

a conflict

Implies a serious disagreement or argument, possibly involving physical force.

a tough situation

This highlights the demanding nature of the circumstances.

a trying time

This focuses on the experience as a period of difficulty.

a difficult task

This alternative specifies the struggle as a particular task.

FAQs

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

"A struggle" is often used to describe a difficult situation or task. For example, "Learning a new language can be "a struggle"" or "She faced "a struggle" to balance work and family."

What can I say instead of "a struggle"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenge", "a hardship", or "an ordeal" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the struggle" instead of "a struggle"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The struggle" often refers to an ongoing or specific conflict, while "a struggle" refers to a single instance of difficulty or effort.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a struggle"?

Avoid using "a struggle" for minor inconveniences as it can sound overly dramatic. Simpler terms like "difficult" or "hard" are more suitable in such cases.