bitter struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

"bitter struggle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an intense conflict or competition between two parties. For example, "The election was a bitter struggle between two candidates who had opposing views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A bitter struggle ensued.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A bitter struggle, it seems, will continue.

The Economist

It had been a violent and bitter struggle.

Yale University

The brickworks were taken after a brief, bitter struggle.

Independent

It is likely to lead to a bitter struggle.

Independent

Their bitter struggle intensified in the confines of Broadmoor.

The Guardian - Books

His bitter struggle began as soon as he arrived in Moscow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And yet now Ms. Nguyen is locked in a bitter struggle for political survival.

The New York Times

I don't know what would be romantic in our bitter struggle".

Independent

He ended his life only after a bitter struggle against his own demons.

The New York Times

But the bitter struggle between James and Lachlan threatened to tear the company apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a conflict, consider the intensity and emotional tone you want to convey. "Bitter struggle" is effective for highlighting deep-seated animosity and high stakes.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter struggle" when a more neutral term like "competition" or "challenge" would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a high degree of animosity and should be reserved for situations where this is genuinely the case.

Linguistic Context

Bitter struggle functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes a particularly intense and acrimonious conflict or competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter struggle" is a common noun phrase used to describe intense and emotionally charged conflicts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its use across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a high degree of animosity and hardship. Alternatives such as "fierce conflict" or "intense battle" can be used depending on the specific nuance. While grammatically sound and widely used, being mindful of the context ensures the most appropriate and impactful use of "bitter struggle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grim fight

Similar to "bitter struggle" but emphasizes the bleak and determined nature of the confrontation.

fierce conflict

Replaces "struggle" with "conflict", emphasizing the active opposition between parties.

intense battle

Substitutes "struggle" with "battle", highlighting the combative nature of the situation.

painful conflict

Highlights the emotional distress and suffering caused by the conflict.

heated dispute

Replaces both words indicating a strong disagreement and emotional tension.

relentless competition

Focuses on the unyielding and persistent nature of the competitive activity.

tough contest

Less intense than "bitter struggle", suggesting a difficult but not necessarily hostile competition.

arduous ordeal

Shifts the focus from conflict to a challenging and painful experience.

severe adversity

Indicates a condition marked by hardship and difficulty, rather than direct opposition.

difficult situation

A more general term indicating a problem or challenge, lacking the intensity of "bitter struggle".

FAQs

What does "bitter struggle" mean?

A "bitter struggle" refers to a conflict or competition characterized by intense animosity, resentment, and hardship. It often implies high stakes and deep-seated antagonism between the parties involved.

How can I use "bitter struggle" in a sentence?

You can use "bitter struggle" to describe various conflicts, such as "The election campaign became a "bitter struggle" between the two candidates" or "The company faced a "bitter struggle" for market share".

What are some alternatives to "bitter struggle"?

Alternatives to "bitter struggle" include phrases like "fierce conflict", "intense battle", or "heated dispute", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bitter struggle"?

The phrase "bitter struggle" is appropriate when describing a conflict that involves strong emotions, high stakes, and significant hardship for the participants. Avoid using it in situations where the conflict is mild or amicable.