a struggle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a struggle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict or challenge faced by individuals or groups, often in a broader context such as social, political, or personal issues. Example: "The novel explores the struggle of the oppressed against the ruling class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In her essay, "A Struggle of Not Struggling," Cotter describes how she graduated directly from college to a good job and self-sufficiency in Somerville, Massachusetts.

HuffPost

Not without a struggle, of course.

The New York Times

Life is a struggle of all against all.

The New Yorker

Ms. Rivera has a struggle of her own.

The New York Times

"We want it to become a struggle of the people".

The Guardian - Opinion

The German nation was involved in a struggle of life and death.

Yale University

"This is not a struggle of black versus white," he said.

Princeton University

For many soldiers, what follows a killing is a struggle of the mind.

The New York Times

It was King Abdullah who spoke bluntly of a struggle of good and evil.

The Economist

At heart, this is a struggle of two peoples for the same patch of land.

The Economist

Titled The Lost Paradise, it portrayed a struggle of workmen for fair treatment.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a struggle of" to convey a sense of prolonged effort against significant odds. It is suitable when describing conflicts that involve more than just a single event or action.

Common error

Avoid using "a struggle of" when a simpler term like "effort" or "attempt" would suffice. This phrase implies a significant level of difficulty and sustained conflict, and should be reserved for appropriate situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a struggle of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It indicates a prolonged and challenging effort or conflict. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts such as political, personal, and social issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a struggle of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a prolonged and challenging effort or conflict. According to Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the intensity of the situation and whether a simpler term would be more appropriate. Alternatives include phrases like ""a fight for"" or ""a conflict over"", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fight for

Replaces "struggle" with "fight", emphasizing the active and combative nature of the situation.

a battle against

Substitutes "struggle" with "battle", highlighting a direct confrontation against something.

a conflict over

Replaces "struggle" with "conflict", suggesting a clash of interests or ideas.

a challenge to

Substitutes "struggle" with "challenge", emphasizing the difficulty and effort involved.

an effort toward

Replaces "struggle" with "effort", focusing on the exertion and attempt to achieve something.

a quest for

Substitutes "struggle" with "quest", highlighting the pursuit of a goal despite difficulties.

a pursuit of

Replaces "struggle" with "pursuit", emphasizing the active following of an objective despite challenges.

a hardship involving

Emphasizes the difficulty and adversity faced in relation to something.

a trial concerning

Highlights the testing and challenging nature of a situation related to something.

an ordeal regarding

Stresses the painful and difficult experience related to something.

FAQs

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

Use "a struggle of" to describe a prolonged conflict or effort against significant obstacles. For example: "The film portrays "a struggle of" the working class against oppression".

What are some alternatives to "a struggle of"?

Alternatives include "a fight for", "a battle against", or "a conflict over", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "a struggle of"?

While grammatically correct, "a struggle of" implies a serious and sustained effort. Consider whether the situation truly warrants such a strong term, or if a milder phrase like "an effort" would be more suitable.

How does "a struggle of" differ from "a simple effort"?

"A struggle of" implies facing significant opposition or hardship, whereas a "simple effort" suggests a less intense attempt. Using "a struggle of" highlights the challenges and adversity involved.