fighting with

USAGE SUMMARY

"fighting with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or verbal altercation between two or more people, or to describe struggling or resisting against something. Example: The two brothers were constantly fighting with each other over who got to use the computer first. In this sentence, "fighting with" is used to describe a physical argument or altercation between the two brothers. Example: The rebel group refused to back down, fighting with all their strength against the oppressive government. In this sentence, "fighting with" is used to describe the act of resisting and struggling against the government.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fighting games: these involve fighting with computer-controlled characters or those controlled by other players.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Islamists fighting with officers.

The New York Times

And that's fighting with the county".

The New York Times

He is fighting with his mother.

The New York Times

Judith Freedman: "Men fighting with long tubes".

Independent

People were fighting with each other.

The New York Times

Allah is fighting with us.

The New York Times

He is fighting with everyone".

The New York Times - Magazine

Everyone fighting with one another.

The Guardian

"One clan fighting with another.

The New York Times

He was fighting with terrorists".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a conflict, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Fighting with" can imply a range of conflicts, from physical altercations to verbal disputes or internal struggles. Choose a synonym if a more precise meaning is needed.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "fighting with" can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, vary your language by using synonyms like "contending with", "clashing with", or "struggling against" to maintain reader engagement and convey specific nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fighting with" functions as a verb phrase indicating conflict, opposition, or struggle. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing both physical altercations (e.g., "fighting with terrorists") and metaphorical struggles (e.g., "fighting with the phone company").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fighting with" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express conflict, struggle, or opposition, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register and wide applicability across news, scientific, and general contexts make it a common choice. While the phrase is perfectly acceptable, diversifying your vocabulary with alternatives such as "battling against" or "contending with" can enhance your writing. Remember to choose the most precise term based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The many examples provided by Ludwig AI highlight the rich and varied ways that "fighting with" is employed in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battling against

Focuses on the act of struggling against something, implying a sustained effort.

contending with

Suggests a competitive struggle or dealing with difficulties.

clashing with

Emphasizes a direct confrontation or disagreement.

at odds with

Highlights a state of disagreement or conflict.

locked in combat with

Implies a direct and ongoing physical or metaphorical fight.

struggling against

Underscores the difficulty and effort involved in opposing something.

in conflict with

Highlights the state of opposition or disagreement.

waging war against

Suggests a prolonged and intense conflict.

grappling with

Implies a close and difficult struggle, often physical but also metaphorical.

locked horns with

Indicates a direct and often stubborn confrontation.

FAQs

How can I use "fighting with" in a sentence?

The phrase "fighting with" is used to describe a physical or verbal altercation, or a struggle against something. For instance, "They were fighting with each other over the last piece of cake" or "She's fighting with her own insecurities".

What are some alternatives to saying "fighting with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "battling against", "contending with", or "clashing with" to convey similar meanings with different nuances.

Is it correct to say "fight with" instead of "fighting with"?

While "fight with" can be grammatically correct in some contexts (e.g., "I will fight with all my might"), "fighting with" typically describes an ongoing action or state. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "fighting with" and "struggling with"?

"Fighting with" often implies a direct confrontation or opposition, while "struggling with" suggests a more internal or difficult process of dealing with something. For example, you might "fight with" an opponent but "struggle with" a difficult concept.