emotional struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emotional struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing difficulty managing their emotions or dealing with emotional challenges. Example: "After the loss of her loved one, she faced an emotional struggle that took time to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Almost everything else in his life is an emotional struggle – games are his home.

The Guardian - Tech

But they are more likely to be symbolic of Ed's emotional struggle.

The New York Times - Health

An even more important component of Mirabella's emotional struggle, though, was his morbid fear of failure.

Harvard Business Review

It is the same mental and emotional struggle Cottee observed when researching his book.

The Guardian

There were few signs of the emotional struggle the miners have gone through since leaving the mine.

The New York Times

Like his teammates, he resembled a man who had been through a physical as well as emotional struggle.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"When you lose a partner, you have all the emotional struggles, but for cohabitees, emotions can't come first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had physical struggles, emotional struggles.

The New York Times

They endure their own emotional struggles.

The Guardian - Sport

The financial and emotional struggles grew overwhelming, however.

The New York Times

"Assessment of Emotional Struggles in Type 2 Diabetes: Patient Perspectives". Diabetes Care 35 (8): e62.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state, use "emotional struggle" to convey a sense of ongoing difficulty rather than a fleeting emotion.

Common error

While "emotional struggle" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "psychological distress" or "affective disorder" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotional struggle" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a state or condition characterized by difficulty in managing or processing emotions. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showing it to be a readily accepted phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emotional struggle" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the difficulties someone faces in managing their emotions. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while perfectly acceptable, it's essential to consider the context when using it. In more formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "psychological distress" or "affective disorder" might be more appropriate. However, in general news, media, and personal narratives, "emotional struggle" effectively conveys empathy and understanding. With a wide range of semantically similar phrases, writers have ample options to fine-tune their expression of this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internal struggle

Highlights the battle occurring within oneself.

emotional pain

Directly refers to the sensation of suffering caused by emotional issues.

emotional battle

Implies a fight against emotional difficulties.

emotional distress

Highlights the state of suffering and pain caused by emotional difficulties.

emotional hardship

Indicates a difficult or painful condition related to emotions.

inner turmoil

Focuses on the internal, chaotic aspect of emotional difficulty.

inner conflict

Underscores the presence of opposing forces within a person's mind.

personal conflict

Emphasizes the internal battle or disagreement within oneself.

mental anguish

Stresses the severe suffering of the mind.

psychological burden

Highlights the weight and pressure of emotional difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "emotional struggle" to describe a period of difficulty managing emotions. For example: "The character's journey is marked by an "emotional struggle" to reconcile his past."

What are some alternatives to "emotional struggle"?

Alternatives include "inner turmoil", "emotional distress", or "internal conflict", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "mental and emotional struggle"?

Yes, "mental and emotional struggle" is grammatically correct and emphasizes both the cognitive and affective aspects of the difficulty. It's acceptable to use ""emotional struggle"" on its own if the mental component is implied.

What's the difference between "emotional struggle" and "emotional challenge"?

"Emotional struggle" implies a more intense and prolonged difficulty, while "emotional challenge" suggests a difficult but potentially surmountable obstacle. A "challenge" might be part of an ""emotional struggle"", but the latter encompasses a broader experience of distress.