a violent struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a violent struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical conflict that involves intense force or aggression. Example: "The two rivals engaged in a violent struggle for control of the territory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The pathologist has found nothing to indicate a violent struggle".

The New York Times

It added there were no signs of a violent struggle.

The Guardian

The prisoners attacked the warders with indescribable savagery, and a violent struggle ensued.

The New York Times

A violent struggle among his successors would be likely to prompt American military intervention.

The New York Times

"A violent struggle ensued," Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said Friday night.

The New York Times

Edward Davies, a police officer in Philadelphia, Pa., was shot and critically wounded during a violent struggle early Tuesday.

The New York Times

Many of the crimes, prosecutors said, occurred during a violent struggle between two factions for control of the crime family.

The New York Times

Shiites have sunk into a violent struggle between factions loyal to rival clerics, Abdel Aziz Hakim and Moktada al-Sadr.

The New York Times

If they are engaged in a violent struggle for power, they must be prepared for Israel to respond in kind.

The New York Times

Meredith Kercher was stabbed, repeatedly, in her small bedroom in a violent struggle that left blood all over the tiny space.

The New York Times

Bristol Crown Court heard that Hoare was present at Becky's family home in Crown Hill, Bristol, when Matthews, the teenager's stepbrother, suffocated her in a violent struggle.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a conflict, use "a violent struggle" to emphasize the physical intensity and aggressive nature of the encounter. For example, "The robbery escalated into a violent struggle with the store owner."

Common error

Avoid using "a violent struggle" to describe purely metaphorical conflicts (e.g., "a violent struggle for market share"). Instead, consider alternatives like "fierce competition" or "intense rivalry" for non-physical confrontations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a violent struggle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes an event or situation characterized by physical force and aggression. Ludwig AI validates this usage, presenting numerous examples of its use in describing conflicts and altercations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a violent struggle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a physical altercation characterized by intensity and force. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied reputable sources, predominantly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a scenario involving physical conflict, avoiding overuse in purely metaphorical contexts. Alternatives such as "a brutal conflict" or "a fierce confrontation" may be more suitable for non-physical situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brutal conflict

Emphasizes the severity and ruthlessness of the conflict.

a fierce confrontation

Highlights the intensity and directness of the clash.

an intense battle

Focuses on the high level of activity and engagement in the conflict.

a physical altercation

Specifies that the struggle involves physical contact.

a bitter clash

Indicates the acrimonious nature of the conflict.

a pitched battle

Suggests a prepared and determined fight.

a bloody fight

Highlights the potential for injury and bloodshed.

a desperate fight

Emphasizes the urgency and high stakes of the conflict.

a forceful contest

Emphasizes the exertion of power and effort in the conflict.

a tough tussle

Describes a difficult and closely contested struggle.

FAQs

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

"A violent struggle" typically describes a physical altercation with intense force. For example: "The police arrested the suspect after a violent struggle".

What are some alternatives to "a violent struggle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a brutal conflict", "a fierce confrontation", or "a physical altercation".

Is it appropriate to use "a violent struggle" in a metaphorical sense?

While sometimes used metaphorically, "a violent struggle" is best reserved for situations involving actual physical force. For metaphorical conflicts, consider phrases like "intense competition" or "fierce debate".

What kind of evidence might suggest that "a violent struggle" occurred?

Evidence could include signs of physical injury, disarray in the environment, damaged property, or witness testimony describing a physical altercation.