battling something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battling something" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to fight against or struggle with something. Example: The soldiers were constantly battling the harsh weather conditions during their mission.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"You get to the stage where you have to stop pretending like you're battling something".

The Guardian

Everybody's battling something.

Los Angeles Times

Tomorrow morning I will slow down, back down, and remember that we are all battling something when we wake up each day.

Huffington Post

"Hopefully, people can learn from this and try to actually help if someone is battling something deeper on the inside than what they are revealing on a day-to-day basis".

Huffington Post

Hopefully people can learn from this and try to actually figure out if someone's battling something on the inside more than what they may be revealing on a day-to-day basis.

Huffington Post

~I most certainly am always battling something I can't explain pulling me to run away, wander and leave it all behind and the grounding beauty in the routines and little brood I've created.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Since "The Sopranos" went off the air, however, Ventimiglia has battled something else entirely: typecasting.

Huffington Post

Though it was successfully treated and she was deemed to have only a 12percentt chance of reoccurrence, she had battled something that kills people.

Huffington Post

Maniac works because, one way or another, we've witnessed our protagonists battle something really scary and come out the other side better for it.

Vice

All of the time and energy being spent on the gay marriage debate could certainly be applied to solving real problems affecting our society, rather than battling over something that under the Constitution should just be.

Huffington Post

A cross is not a generic memorial to Americans who die in battle — something Jewish, Muslim, and atheist soldiers could attest to.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "battling something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being fought against, whether it's a disease, a personal struggle, or an external force. Clarity enhances the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "battling something" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving significant effort or adversity to maintain its impact and avoid trivializing genuine struggles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battling something" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle of the verb "battle" followed by a noun. It acts as a descriptor, indicating that someone or something is actively engaged in a struggle against a specified challenge or obstacle, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "battling something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an ongoing struggle against a specific challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and general discourse. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely involve significant effort or adversity. Alternatives such as "fighting against something" or "struggling with something" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fighting against something

Focuses on active opposition, implying a more direct and forceful confrontation.

combating something

Implies a sustained and determined effort to overcome a negative force.

struggling with something

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming a problem.

contending with something

Suggests a struggle to overcome difficulties or competition.

overcoming something

Highlights the successful resolution of a challenge or obstacle.

grappling with something

Emphasizes the difficulty and struggle in understanding or resolving something.

withstanding something

Focuses on resisting the effects or impact of a negative force.

dealing with something

Implies managing or handling a difficult situation, often with less intensity.

tackling something

Suggests a proactive approach to solving a problem or challenge.

facing something

Focuses on confronting a challenge directly, without necessarily implying a fight.

FAQs

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

You can use "battling something" to describe a struggle against an illness, a difficult situation, or an opposing force. For example, "She is battling a serious illness" or "The company is battling economic headwinds".

What are some alternatives to "battling something"?

Alternatives include "fighting against something", "contending with something", or "struggling with something", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "battling something" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing serious or significant struggles. However, consider the specific context and ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

Which is correct, "battling something" or "battling with something"?

"Battling something" is generally more concise and direct. "Battling with something" can also be used, but it often implies a more internal or psychological struggle. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.