battling for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battling for" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
This phrase is often used to convey a sense of struggle or difficulty in achieving a goal. For example, "She has been battling for years to get her degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I've been battling for years.

The New York Times - Sports

I was battling for every point.

Independent

"I'll be battling for Britain.

The Guardian

We're still battling for the top spot.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now I'm battling for top 10".

The New York Times - Travel

"What is it worth battling for in court?

The Guardian - Arts

Both companies are battling for advertising dollars, users and talent.

The New York Times

"We're playing teams that are battling for their lives".

The New York Times - Sports

At least four pitchers are battling for the fifth spot.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's 11 guys out there battling for you, and I wanted to be the guy battling for that touchdown".

The New York Times - Sports

So companies battling for survival have lost another lifeline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "battling for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is struggling or competing to achieve. For instance, specify the prize, position, or goal they are fighting for.

Common error

Avoid using "battling for" in contexts where the competition is lighthearted or informal. This phrase implies a significant level of effort, intensity and struggle.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "battling for" is as a participial phrase often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. This describes an ongoing struggle or competition. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "battling for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that vividly conveys a sense of intense competition or determined struggle. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively highlights the efforts and challenges involved in pursuing a particular objective. When using "battling for", ensure that the context clearly specifies the object of the struggle to avoid ambiguity. While broadly appropriate, consider alternative expressions like "competing for" or "striving for" if a less intense tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fighting for

Highlights the adversarial nature of the situation.

struggling for

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved.

competing for

Focuses more on the competitive aspect, less on the struggle.

vying for

Similar to competing, but often implies a more intense rivalry.

striving for

Emphasizes effort and ambition in achieving a goal.

grappling for

Implies a close and possibly physical struggle.

contending for

A more formal way of saying competing.

locked in a battle for

Emphasizes the intensity and ongoing nature of the conflict.

in contention for

Indicates being in a position where one could potentially win or achieve something.

pushing for

Suggests actively promoting or trying to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I use "battling for" in a sentence?

Use "battling for" to describe a situation where individuals or groups are competing fiercely for something, such as "The teams are "battling for a playoff spot"".

What's the difference between "battling for" and "competing for"?

"Battling for" suggests a more intense and prolonged struggle than simply "competing for". "Battling" implies significant effort and resistance.

What are some alternatives to "battling for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fighting for", "striving for", or "vying for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "battling for" in formal writing?

Yes, "battling for" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in news and analytical contexts, to describe intense competition or struggle. However, consider alternatives like "contending for" for an even more formal tone.