difficult struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or arduous effort in overcoming obstacles or achieving a goal. Example: "The team faced a difficult struggle to meet the project deadline, but their perseverance paid off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a far more difficult struggle loomed.

Princeton University

"It's going to be a difficult struggle".

The New York Times

But a much more difficult struggle over women bishops looms.

The Economist

It's a very, very difficult struggle," Mr. Morsi said.

The New York Times

"It has been a difficult struggle through the legal process.

The New York Times

"It's going to be a long, difficult struggle".

The New York Times

And almost every game is a difficult struggle.

The New York Times

Maybury-Lewis passed away after a long, difficult struggle with Parkinson's disease, according to his family.

Harvard University

Obviously, this was a long and difficult struggle to achieve, and has lasted 15 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bronx native, 65, died after a long and difficult struggle with hydrocephalus.

The New York Times

Ours is a difficult struggle; it could even be a long one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult struggle" to vividly depict situations requiring perseverance and resilience. It is appropriate when you need to underline the effort and hardship involved in overcoming obstacles.

Common error

Avoid employing "difficult struggle" to describe minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where genuine hardship and considerable effort are involved to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult struggle" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "struggle". It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing an arduous and challenging situation or endeavor. Ludwig contains several examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult struggle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict challenging situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears extensively in reputable sources, particularly in the News & Media and Academia sectors. While versatile, it's best employed when describing scenarios involving genuine hardship to maintain its impact, reserving it for situations where there is real difficulty in overcoming obstacles. Alternatives such as "arduous battle" or "challenging fight" can offer nuanced emphasis, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous battle

Focuses on the combative aspect of the challenge, highlighting the effort and determination needed.

challenging fight

Similar to 'arduous battle', emphasizing the confrontational and demanding nature of the situation.

tough ordeal

Highlights the unpleasant and prolonged nature of the experience.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the significant obstacles and difficulty involved.

trying experience

Focuses on the testing and stressful aspects of the situation.

demanding endeavor

Highlights the high level of effort and requirements involved.

laborious task

Emphasizes the significant effort and hard work required.

grueling process

Focuses on the exhausting and protracted nature of the undertaking.

taxing effort

Highlights the draining and demanding nature of the work.

complex undertaking

Focuses on the complicated and multifaceted nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult struggle" to describe any situation that involves overcoming significant obstacles. For instance: "The company faced a "difficult struggle" to regain its market share after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "difficult struggle"?

Alternatives include "arduous battle", "challenging fight", or "tough ordeal", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "difficult struggle" in formal writing?

Yes, "difficult struggle" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

What is the difference between a "difficult struggle" and a "minor setback"?

A "difficult struggle" implies a prolonged and intense effort to overcome significant obstacles, while a "minor setback" suggests a temporary and easily surmountable obstacle. Using "difficult struggle" for trivial issues would be an overstatement.