combats with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combats with" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when describing a struggle or conflict with something, but "combats" is typically used without "with." Example: "The organization combats climate change through various initiatives."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Poleaxes also were used, and there were mounted combats with swords or maces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But might the Germans, French and Spanish be right in occupying ground and promoting development rather than bring-it-on combats with the Taliban?

The Guardian - Opinion

Both the 17th and 25th Kentucky made their way around the battlefield that day, which according to the historian Bruce Catton was "a grab bag full of separate combats" with little if any discernible organization.

The New York Times

The attic story bore corbels supporting masts from which royal sailors manipulated awnings to protect the 50,000 seats from the sun during the gladiatorial contests, combats with wild animals, sham battles, and, when the arena was flooded, naval displays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Johnson's terror at the end was so unsettling to his intimates that Boswell offers, by way of explanation, the observation that Johnson's "amorous inclinations were uncommonly strong and impetuous," that "Johnson was not free from propensities which were ever 'warring against the law of his mind' — and that in his combats with them, he was sometimes overcome".

The New Yorker

Anonymity can also facilitate harassment, though, which Whisper combats with artificial intelligence and human moderators.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He engaged in "wit-combats" with Shakespeare and reigned supreme.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Daily hand-to-hand combat with a bunch of robots?

The New York Times

Nine days' combat with marines; much in the Waugh tradition.

The New York Times

"Drugs should not be combatted with drugs," the text stated.

The Guardian

"It was hand-to-hand combat with bayonets".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing struggles against abstract concepts or internal conflicts, consider using alternatives like "struggles against" or "wrestles with" for a more nuanced and vivid description. For example, instead of saying "He combats with his doubts", you could say "He wrestles with his doubts".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "combats with" can sound awkward or less sophisticated in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "battles", "fights", or more nuanced phrases depending on the context to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combats with" functions as a verb phrase that describes an active struggle or opposition. It indicates an entity is actively fighting against something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, while grammatically sound, it might not always be the most elegant choice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "combats with" is grammatically acceptable for describing a struggle or opposition, but it isn't always the most preferred option. As Ludwig AI points out, it can sometimes sound awkward. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing primarily in news, encyclopedias and wiki contexts. When writing, consider using stronger, more descriptive alternatives like "fights against" or "struggles against" for enhanced clarity and impact. Remember that while technically correct, choosing more precise wording will help make your writing more compelling and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battles against

Replaces "combats" with "battles" and "with" with "against", emphasizing a direct opposition.

fights against

Substitutes "combats" with "fights", conveying a more active and aggressive engagement.

struggles against

Emphasizes a difficult and prolonged effort against something, replacing "combats" with "struggles".

wrestles with

Implies a close and personal struggle, suggesting a more intimate form of conflict than "combats with".

grapples with

Similar to "wrestles with", but suggests a more intellectual or strategic engagement with a problem.

contends with

Formal alternative, suggesting a determined effort to overcome obstacles.

deals with

Indicates managing or handling a challenging situation, less aggressive than "combats".

tackles

A direct way of expressing to confront with, resolve or take action.

confrontations with

Emphasizes the act of facing something directly, replacing "combats" with "confrontations".

engagements with

A more formal term that specifies an occurrence where parties meet or fight.

FAQs

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

You can use "combats with" to describe a situation where someone or something is actively fighting against or struggling with something else. For example, "The organization combats with climate change through various initiatives."

What are some alternatives to "combats with"?

You can use alternatives like "battles against", "fights against", or "struggles against" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "combats with" or "combats"?

While "combats with" is grammatically acceptable, "combats" alone is often a stronger and more direct choice. For instance, "The organization combats climate change" is more concise than "The organization combats with climate change."

What's the difference between "combats with" and "deals with"?

"Combats with" implies a more direct and aggressive opposition, while "deals with" suggests managing or handling a challenging situation without necessarily engaging in direct conflict.