fight for existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fight for existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing survival, competition, or struggles for survival in various fields such as biology, philosophy, or social issues. Example: "In the harsh environment of the Arctic, many species must fight for existence against the extreme cold and limited food resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Its fight for existence is plenty dramatic already, and is a story worth telling honestly.

The New York Times

I mean, the experience of living through the siege – being shelled by Serb cannons, being without communications or electricity – felt like a fight for existence.

The Guardian

Nobody knows whether or when war will break out, but, as far as human intelligence can foresee, no European war will occur without Germany taking part in it, and for her it will be a fight for existence".

The New York Times

"It's going to be the usual hand-to-mouth fight for existence," he wrote.

BBC

It was nothing less than a fight for existence.

Huffington Post

I have to fight for existence, I have to fight for my voice, I have to fight for just living.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Prime Minister Shimon Peres said the country has to fight for its existence.

The New Yorker

In the Gulf of Mexico, the Kemp's ridley sea turtle continues to fight for its existence.

The New York Times

Isn't The Times facing the same fight for its existence that the rest of the newspapers are?

The New York Times

If you believe that the fight against extremism is the fight for our existence; and you want this to be the generation that ends discrimination.

Independent

Sheik Abdul-Rahman and his cousins say they, like many other Sunni Arabs, are still engaged in a fight for their existence, way of life and what they view as their fair share of power in the new Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "fight for existence", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being fought for, whether it is literal survival, maintaining a position, or preserving an idea.

Common error

Avoid using "fight for existence" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and melodramatic. Opt for synonyms like "struggle for survival" or more specific descriptions of the challenge being faced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fight for existence" functions as a noun phrase that encapsulates the idea of a continuous and active struggle to maintain life, a position, or an entity's being. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fight for existence" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that vividly portrays a struggle to survive or maintain a position. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's best used when its specific intensity is warranted. Contexts typically include News & Media and Science, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse and consider synonyms such as "struggle for survival" or "battle for survival" to avoid repetition. This phrase effectively conveys the determination and effort needed to overcome challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggle for survival

Emphasizes the ongoing effort required to stay alive or maintain a position.

battle for survival

Highlights the intensity and potential conflict involved in securing existence.

fight for survival

Focuses on the active and combative nature of maintaining existence.

compete for survival

Highlights the competitive aspect of staying alive.

vie for survival

Suggests a competitive striving for continued existence.

contend for survival

Implies a more determined and forceful competition to exist.

struggle to exist

Simple variation focusing on the difficulty of existing.

battle to exist

Implies a difficult and contentious effort simply to continue living.

campaign for existence

Implies a sustained and organized effort to survive, often in a sociopolitical context.

push for survival

Focuses on the active effort and momentum needed to continue existing.

FAQs

What does "fight for existence" mean?

The phrase "fight for existence" describes a situation where someone or something is actively struggling to survive or maintain their current state against opposing forces.

How can I use "fight for existence" in a sentence?

You can use "fight for existence" to describe the challenges faced by endangered species, the struggles of a business in a competitive market, or any situation where survival is not guaranteed. For example: "The small business is in a constant "fight for existence" against larger corporations."

What are some alternatives to "fight for existence"?

Some alternatives to "fight for existence" include "struggle for survival", "battle for survival", or "compete for survival". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "fight for existence" the same as "struggle for existence"?

While similar, "fight for existence" often implies a more active and combative approach to survival, whereas "struggle for existence" can encompass a broader range of challenges, including environmental or systemic factors.