battling with

USAGE SUMMARY

"battling with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to struggle or fight against something or someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as physical, emotional, or intellectual struggles. Example 1: The team has been battling with injuries all season, but they still managed to make it to the finals. Example 2: She has been battling with anxiety for years, but therapy has helped her cope with it. Example 3: The company is battling with financial difficulties, but they are determined to turn things around. Example 4: He is battling with writer's block and can't seem to finish his novel. Example 5: The two politicians have been battling with each other in a heated debate over the new policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was battling with himself.

The New York Times - Sports

So, we're battling with ideas," Watnik said.

The Washington Post

So why are we still battling with fossil fuels?

Yale University

Or, more concretely, trapped between covers, battling with metal rings.

The New Yorker

German firms and banks are battling with defaulting debtors.

The Economist

Rezzly were battling with the "are we ready yet?" question.

The Guardian

In Arizona, that means battling with javelinas, which love their zucchini.

The New York Times

This was the first of several plays depicting women battling with their situation in society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chile's are battling with a strong currency (the result of high copper prices).

The Economist

Often battling with his mother, he loved his father, who got him started in magic.

The New Yorker

Despite her huge success, Meyers still confesses to battling with every script.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "battling with", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and intensity of the struggle. For severe conflicts, consider stronger verbs like "combating" or "fighting".

Common error

Avoid using "battling with" in contexts that involve minor inconveniences. Opt for milder alternatives like "dealing with" or "handling" when the situation doesn't involve significant struggle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battling with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an ongoing conflict or struggle against something. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly followed by a noun phrase specifying the opponent or challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "battling with" is a correct and commonly used verb phrase that conveys a sense of active struggle or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and understood in English. Its frequency is "Very common", especially within "News & Media". While applicable in various contexts, it's important to consider the intensity of the situation and choose alternative phrases like "struggling with" or "dealing with" for less severe scenarios. The phrase maintains a generally neutral register, making it suitable for broad communication. Ultimately, "battling with" effectively communicates the exertion and perseverance required to overcome challenges, aligning with the multitude of examples Ludwig provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling with

Implies difficulty and effort in dealing with something, less confrontational than "battling".

contending with

Suggests facing and overcoming challenges or difficulties, slightly more formal.

fighting against

Highlights direct opposition or resistance, often used in more aggressive contexts.

grappling with

Indicates a close and difficult struggle, often involving uncertainty or confusion.

wrestling with

Conveys a more internal or intellectual struggle, such as with a decision or concept.

dealing with

A more general term for handling or addressing a problem, less intense than "battling".

coping with

Focuses on managing or enduring a difficult situation, emphasizing resilience.

facing off against

Suggests a direct and intentional confrontation, often in a competitive setting.

locked in combat with

Emphasizes an intense and prolonged conflict, often physical or strategic.

competing with

Highlights a rivalry or contest for a specific goal or advantage.

FAQs

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

Use "battling with" to describe a situation where someone or something is struggling against a force or challenge. For example, "The company is battling with declining sales" or "She is battling with a serious illness".

What's the difference between "battling with" and "struggling with"?

"Battling with" implies a more active and confrontational struggle, while "struggling with" can refer to a more passive or internal difficulty. "Battling" suggests actively fighting back, whereas "struggling" may simply mean having a hard time.

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

Both "battling with" and "battling against" are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Battling with" suggests a struggle alongside something, while "battling against" implies direct opposition.

What can I say instead of "battling with"?

You can use alternatives like "contending with", "grappling with", or "wrestling with" depending on the context.