after a struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after a struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a difficult situation that took a lot of effort to overcome. For example, "After a struggle, he was finally able to save enough money to pay for college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only after a struggle did he reassemble his life.

The New York Times

She refused, and after a struggle fled to a bathroom.

The New York Times

He worked the lines apart after a struggle.

The New York Times - Sports

But after a struggle, she escaped and called the police.

The New York Times

After a struggle, he had shot both assailants.

The New Yorker

At the leader's urging, Parks manages, after a struggle, to wish his dead father well.

The New York Times - Books

Blake then held his serve after a struggle, but struggles were the rule on his serve.

The New York Times - Sports

But Robson, after a struggle, found her A game and broke her down.

The Guardian - Sport

First set: Federer 1-3 Nadal* Nadal consolidates his advantage, but only after a struggle.

The Guardian - Sport

After a struggle to control my jealous rage I started to read.

The Guardian - Books

After a struggle, Mr. Rahman bludgeoned her with the pipe, Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "after a struggle", ensure the context clearly indicates what the struggle entailed. Providing specific details adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "after a struggle" without clarifying the nature of the struggle. Ambiguity can weaken your message. Be sure that the struggle is self-explanatory for the reader. If not, add more context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after a struggle" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event in relation to a preceding difficult effort. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after a struggle" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something occurred following a period of difficulty or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding emphasis to the effort required to achieve the subsequent outcome. While generally neutral in register, providing context to describe the struggle is essential for clarity. It appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after surmounting challenges

Focuses on the successful overcoming of significant hurdles.

following a hardship

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty experienced, focusing on the challenging nature of the preceding event.

after overcoming obstacles

This emphasizes the act of successfully navigating challenges, focusing on achievement.

subsequent to a battle

This phrase implies a more direct conflict, often physical, before the outcome.

in spite of the difficulties

Highlights persistence and achievement despite challenges.

in the wake of a conflict

This phrase focuses on the consequences or aftermath of a dispute or disagreement.

following a period of adversity

This suggests a prolonged period of difficulty, highlighting endurance and resilience.

finally

Highlights the achievement of a goal after prolonged efforts.

eventually

This focuses on the time it takes to reach an objective despite difficulties.

with difficulty

This emphasizes the effort required, but the outcome is not implicit.

FAQs

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

Use "after a struggle" to describe an action or state that occurs following a period of difficulty or conflict. For example, "After a struggle, the team finally secured the contract".

What are some alternatives to "after a struggle"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "following a hardship", "subsequent to a battle", or "in the wake of a conflict depending on the context.

Is it better to say "after a struggle" or "following a struggle"?

Both "after a struggle" and "following a struggle" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

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

Avoid using "after a struggle" when the effort involved is minimal or insignificant. The phrase implies a substantial degree of difficulty or conflict.