as she struggles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as she struggles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is facing difficulty or hardship while doing something. Example: "As she struggles to balance her work and personal life, she often feels overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As she struggles to breathe, Madame Vastra helps keep her alive with her own oxygen.

Independent

He yells at his sister to hurry up! as she struggles to remember what she needs.

University of California, Berkeley

Their relationship is quite complicated as she struggles to get praise from him.

The Guardian

As she struggles to breathe in Fred's stifling and artificially-lit cellar so does the reader.

The Guardian - Books

A prominent Bengali businessman praises her energy and direct manner, forgiving her much as she struggles with a dire legacy.

The Economist

Paula Radcliffe has admitted she may never be able to compete again as she struggles to overcome a foot injury.

Independent

Ba doesn't cover her hair, but she has become more observant as she struggles with being jobless and alone.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Doyle catches a large fish; Samuel closely observes her as she struggles to reel it in.

The New Yorker

It's harrowing, observing Haney stretched increasingly thin as she struggles to keep her kids safe and accumulate evidence of harm.

The Washington Post

Viewers are introduced to Jane as she struggles to open her front door while cradling a cellphone to her ear.

The New York Times - Arts

Her life is acquiring the resonance of myth even as she struggles to tell the truth as she sees it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as she struggles" to illustrate a character's internal or external conflict, adding depth and relatability to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid pairing "as she struggles" with overly passive constructions. Instead of writing "as she struggles, help was given", opt for active voice: "as she struggles, she seeks help."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as she struggles" primarily functions as an adverbial clause of time or circumstance, modifying the main clause by providing context about when or under what conditions an event occurs. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing numerous examples where this phrase introduces a situation of difficulty simultaneous to another action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as she struggles" is a versatile and commonly used construction that introduces a sense of difficulty or effort to a narrative. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial clause, setting the stage for understanding a character's actions amidst hardship. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Alternatives such as "while she grapples" or "as she wrestles" offer similar meanings, but with slightly different nuances. Remember to use this phrase to add depth to your storytelling, evoking empathy and understanding in your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while she grapples

Emphasizes the act of wrestling or contending with a problem or situation.

as she wrestles

Similar to "grapples", highlighting a physical or metaphorical struggle.

while she contends

Focuses on the act of arguing or competing, often in a challenging situation.

as she battles

Implies a more intense and prolonged conflict or effort.

in her struggle

Shifts the focus to the state of struggling, rather than the act itself.

as she faces difficulty

A more general way of expressing the presence of challenges.

while she perseveres

Highlights the act of continuing despite difficulties.

in the midst of her efforts

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the person's attempts.

as she endeavors

A more formal way of saying "as she tries hard."

even as she strains

Emphasizes the exertion and effort involved in the person's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "as she struggles" in a sentence?

Use "as she struggles" to describe a situation where a female subject is facing difficulties or challenges while trying to achieve something. For example, "As she struggles to balance work and family, she finds little time for herself".

What are some alternatives to "as she struggles"?

Alternatives include "while she grapples", "as she wrestles", or "while she contends", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify the subject's gender when using "as she struggles"?

No, the phrase can be adapted to other genders. Use "as he struggles" or "as they struggle" as appropriate. The key is to ensure grammatical consistency and relevance to the context.

What's the difference between "as she struggles" and "in her struggle"?

"As she struggles" describes an ongoing action, whereas "in her struggle" refers to the state or period of difficulty. For example, "As she struggles, she learns valuable lessons" versus "In her struggle, she discovered her inner strength".