battled against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battled against" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing a metaphorical or literal battle between two sides. For example, "The team battled against great odds, but ultimately found success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've battled against those same prejudices.

The New Yorker

"I've always battled against that.

The Guardian - Music

I've battled against suicidal thoughts for years.

Independent

Dr. Teller early battled against unnecessary secrecy.

The New York Times

Beard has battled against cuts imposed by Newsquest.

The Guardian

"We battled against each other, so respect is there," Kidd said.

The New York Times - Sports

Only those who have battled against the odds will really make it in business.

The Economist

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has battled against construction and operation of the transmission line.

The New York Times

His mother, Funmilayo Kuti, battled against indiscriminate taxation of women by the colonial government.

The Guardian

He was not the same sharp, in-command pitcher who battled against Oakland.

The New York Times - Sports

The list of movements and individuals Bookchin battled against is endless.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "battled against" to convey a sense of active and determined opposition. Ensure that the subject actively resists or confronts the opposing force, whether it's a physical enemy, a disease, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "battled against" when the subject doesn't actively engage in resistance. For instance, saying 'the problem battled against a solution' is incorrect; the problem doesn't actively fight. A better phrasing would be 'a solution battled against the problem'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battled against" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive phrasal verb. It signifies an active confrontation or resistance against an opposing force. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is used to depict both literal and metaphorical struggles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "battled against" is a correct and widely used verb phrase that signifies active confrontation or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most often employed in contexts needing to depict overcoming a challenge. Its flexibility allows use across both formal and informal registers. Given that its main usage is in News & Media, it maintains a generally neutral tone. For alternative expressions, consider using ""fought against"", "combated", or "resisted" depending on the shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fought against

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of physical or metaphorical combat.

combated

This suggests a more strategic and determined effort to overcome an opponent or obstacle.

contended with

This alternative implies a struggle or competition against something, often something abstract.

opposed

This term indicates a direct resistance or disapproval of something.

resisted

This alternative emphasizes the act of withstanding or preventing something.

defended against

This implies protecting oneself or something else from an attack or threat.

struggled with

This suggests a difficult or challenging effort to overcome something.

grappled with

This conveys a sense of close and intense struggle or debate.

wrestled with

This is similar to 'grappled with' but can also imply an internal conflict or debate.

challenged

This term emphasizes questioning or disputing something, often with the intent to change it.

FAQs

How can I use "battled against" in a sentence?

You can use "battled against" to describe a situation where someone or something actively fought or resisted an opposing force. For instance, "The soldiers "fought against" the enemy", or "She "struggled with" her illness for years".

What are some alternatives to using "battled against"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""fought against"", "combated", "resisted", or "opposed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "battled with" instead of "battled against"?

While "battled with" can be used, it often implies a more internal or personal struggle, whereas "battled against" typically suggests an external opposition. The choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

What is the difference between "battled against" and ""struggled with""?

"Battled against" emphasizes a direct confrontation or resistance, while ""struggled with"" often refers to a difficult or challenging effort, which may not necessarily involve a direct opponent. The former has connotations of fighting while the latter of hardship.