battle with

USAGE SUMMARY

"battle with" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
Example: She had to battle with her inner demons before she could make her decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He fought a long battle with cancer.

The New York Times

She faces an uphill battle with Avon.

The New York Times

It's definitely a battle with him".

The New York Times - Sports

Wildlife is losing its battle with humans".

The New Yorker

After a brave battle with cancer.

The New York Times

Tony Judt's battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

The New Yorker

Scott McNealy and his battle with Microsoft.

The New Yorker

It's a battle with modernity".

The New Yorker

My daily battle with narcissism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's his own battle with his craft.

The New York Times

"Later they encountered battle with the enemy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "battle with" to convey not only a conflict but also the effort, endurance, and determination required to overcome the opposing force. This adds depth and emotional resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "battle with" in overly casual or trivial situations. While grammatically correct, its intensity can sound melodramatic when describing minor inconveniences. Opt for softer alternatives like "deal with" or "handle" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battle with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an ongoing conflict or struggle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a recognized and appropriate construction in English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from fighting diseases to overcoming personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "battle with" is a commonly used verb phrase that conveys a significant and ongoing conflict. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although its intensity is best reserved for situations where the struggle is substantial. It appears frequently in news and media sources, as well as in wikis and scientific publications. When using "battle with", ensure that the context appropriately reflects the intensity of the conflict and consider alternative phrases like "struggle against" or "contend with" for milder situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fight against

Directly implies active opposition and combat.

struggle against

Emphasizes the difficulty and sustained effort in opposing something.

contend with

Highlights the act of facing and dealing with challenges or difficulties.

grapple with

Suggests a close and often physical struggle or confrontation.

wrestle with

Indicates a difficult internal or external conflict.

clash with

Focuses on a direct confrontation or conflict of ideas or interests.

compete against

Implies striving to outperform or overcome an opponent in a contest.

confront

Focuses on addressing or facing a difficult situation directly.

take on

Implies accepting a challenge or responsibility to fight or compete.

tussle with

Suggests a playful or minor struggle.

FAQs

How can I use "battle with" in a sentence?

Use "battle with" to describe a significant struggle or conflict. For example, "She had to battle with her insecurities before performing on stage".

What are some alternatives to "battle with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "struggle against", "contend with", or "grapple with".

Is it appropriate to use "battle with" in formal writing?

Yes, "battle with" is appropriate in formal writing when describing significant conflicts or challenges. For instance, "The company had to battle with increasing competition in the market".

What's the difference between "battle with" and "deal with"?

"Battle with" implies a more intense and prolonged conflict, whereas "deal with" suggests a more routine or manageable handling of a situation. For example, you might "battle with" a chronic illness but "deal with" everyday tasks.