fierce struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

"fierce struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult battle or challenge, such as a battle between two opposing sides or a difficult obstacle that someone has to overcome. For example: "The two nations have been engaged in a fierce struggle for territory for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He foresaw a fierce struggle just ahead.

The New Yorker

They went down in "a fierce struggle".

The New Yorker

"Whatever the end results, we know it will be a fierce struggle to form a government".

The New York Times

As soon as the passengers realized what had happened, there was a fierce struggle to get out of the carriages.

The New York Times

New York's powerful Irish Catholics are unlikely to give up what they regard as a sinecure without a fierce struggle.

The Economist

After a fierce struggle he took the Schellenberg fortress and opened the crossing of the Danube River at Donauwörth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a fierce struggle, Stephen Oakes, a Special Branch officer, was stabbed in the chest and died shortly afterwards.

The Economist

passed away on September 6th, 2010 in Morristown, New Jersey, after a brief but fierce struggle with ALS.

The New York Times

The period thus saw a fierce struggle between the Marathas and the Afghans for control over Delhi and northern India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Internet users are defying censors with gossip about the fierce struggle for power many believe is under way.

The Economist

On Monday, Jacob and others recounted the chain of events that turned on a fierce struggle for the officer's gun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fierce struggle", ensure the context clearly indicates the opposing forces or challenges involved. This will give the phrase greater impact and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce struggle" in casual or informal writing where a simpler term like "tough challenge" or "strong competition" would suffice. The phrase carries a certain weight and is best reserved for more serious or formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce struggle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It typically describes an intense and forceful conflict or competition. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is used to depict battles, power struggles, and even internal conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fierce struggle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe intense conflicts or competitions. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for formal writing and can be effectively used in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedias, it conveys a sense of intensity and high stakes. When considering alternatives, phrases like "intense conflict" or "heated battle" can be used depending on the desired nuance. While versatile, it is best to avoid overuse in casual contexts, ensuring its impact is reserved for situations that warrant such a strong description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense conflict

Emphasizes the high degree of animosity and engagement between opposing forces.

bitter conflict

Highlights the negative emotions and resentment associated with the conflict.

heated battle

Focuses on the intensity and passion involved in the confrontation.

vigorous competition

Shifts the focus to a competitive environment where great effort is exerted.

determined fight

Underlines the resolution and persistence of the combatants.

arduous battle

Highlights the difficulty and strenuousness of the engagement.

severe contention

Stresses the seriousness and gravity of the disagreement or dispute.

aggressive competition

Emphasizes the proactive and forceful nature of the competitive interaction.

relentless combat

Highlights the continuous and unyielding nature of the fighting.

tough contest

Focuses on the challenging and demanding aspects of the competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "fierce struggle" to describe intense conflicts or competitions. For example, "The two companies engaged in a fierce struggle for market share" or "The country faced a fierce struggle against poverty".

What are some synonyms for "fierce struggle"?

Alternatives include "intense conflict", "heated battle", and "vigorous competition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "fierce struggle" formal or informal?

"Fierce struggle" is generally considered suitable for formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, and business communications. While understandable in informal contexts, a simpler phrase may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "fierce struggle" and "bitter struggle"?

While both describe intense conflicts, "fierce struggle" emphasizes the intensity and force of the conflict, while "bitter struggle" highlights the negative emotions and resentment involved. "Fierce" focuses on the action, while "bitter" focuses on the feelings.