contending with problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contending with problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that someone is facing or dealing with. Example: "The team is contending with problems related to resource allocation and project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Most people looking at Internet privacy now seem to be contending with problems that have little to do with government oppression.

The New York Times - Tech

The story follows Madoc's journey as they travel West again, contending with problems such as storms and dissent among the crew.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Amedisys had to contend with problems of its own making and struggled even to make payroll each week.

Forbes

Other studies from developed countries have contended with problems of subject's therapeutic misconception, voluntariness and measurement of capacity to consent during biomedical research and clinical trials [ 51, 56- 58].

BMC Medical Ethics

(Code category: 2, Agency combined with mentorship) Research that demands problem solving: Students with strong project ownership also exhibited more involvement in higher levels of problem solving and the ability and willingness to contend with problems that arose within the scientific inquiry process.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"Charter may increase the price slightly, but probably not by much," Harrigan said, adding that Time Warner Cable's substantial subscriber losses in the last six months underscores the problems the cable company is contending with -- problems that won't be too easy to solve.

Los Angeles Times

Only the American State Department, which also is contending with financial problems because of budget cutbacks, is larger.

The New York Times

Some residents argue that the county is already contending with pollution problems that will only get worse if New York State starts issuing permits for the controversial fracking process.

The New York Times

A new approach toward Russia is desperately needed, one that places much more emphasis on contending with the problems that Mr. Putin poses to his own people and to others.

The New York Times

This was originally used for women who were contending with health problems or set to go through intense medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

Huffington Post

American Leather is one of many manufacturers and retailers now contending with the problem of naming or describing furniture that is designed to defy categorization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contending with problems" when you want to convey the idea of actively facing and dealing with challenges or difficulties. It suggests a sense of struggle and effort in overcoming obstacles.

Common error

While "contending with problems" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "addressing challenges" or "tackling difficulties" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contending with problems" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of actively dealing with difficulties or challenges. It indicates an ongoing process of managing issues as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contending with problems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the act of facing and dealing with difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While useful, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "addressing challenges" or "dealing with difficulties" to maintain variety in writing. The phrase implies an active and ongoing effort to manage challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dealing with difficulties

Replaces "contending" with a more general term, maintaining the focus on problematic situations.

facing challenges

"Facing" is a more direct synonym for "contending", highlighting the act of confronting difficulties.

grappling with issues

Implies a more active and intense struggle with the problems at hand.

tackling obstacles

Suggests a proactive approach to overcoming barriers.

addressing concerns

Focuses on resolving specific points of worry or difficulty.

managing complications

Emphasizes the handling or controlling of complex problems.

overcoming adversity

Highlights the act of triumphing over unfavorable conditions.

resolving predicaments

Suggests finding solutions to difficult or dangerous situations.

handling setbacks

Implies dealing with temporary impediments or reversals.

combating troubles

Emphasizes active opposition to difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "contending with problems" in a sentence?

You can use "contending with problems" to describe a situation where someone is facing difficulties, such as "The project team is currently "contending with problems" related to resource allocation."

What are some alternatives to "contending with problems"?

Alternatives include "dealing with difficulties", "facing challenges", or "grappling with issues". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "contending with problems" or "addressing problems"?

"Contending with problems" implies a struggle or ongoing effort, while "addressing problems" suggests a more direct and solution-oriented approach. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

What is the difference between "contending with a problem" and "solving a problem"?

"Contending with a problem" implies an ongoing effort to manage or mitigate a difficulty, while "solving a problem" indicates that a solution has been found and the difficulty has been resolved.