grapple with a complex issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grapple with a complex issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of dealing with or trying to understand a difficult or intricate problem. Example: "In her latest article, she grapples with a complex issue that affects many communities today."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also reflects other worries of theologians, who had to grapple with such complex issues as how a church that considers itself holy can admit mistakes, and whether it is fair for today's church to condemn acts by previous generations made in good if misguided faith.

The New York Times

The role of the public intellectual is to raise the level of public conversation so that it might better grapple with the complex issues of the day; Dyson's essay further lowers it to the point of irrelevance.

The Guardian - Opinion

As absurd — or useful — as it may be to think about hormones and voting, studies like Mr. Fowler's don't really help us grapple with the complex issues facing our democracy.

The New York Times

They give the nation another opportunity to grapple with these complex issues.

Huffington Post

May or Leadsom will have to grapple with the complex issues around immigration and free trade while trying to ensure that that economy does not falter.

Los Angeles Times

They're grappling with this incredibly complex issue of realizing that you're gay or lesbian or transgender, figuring out what you do with that, how you put a life together that is honest and open, and then to be receiving a message that you are either sick, need healing or evil, I think in some extreme examples.

Huffington Post

And she is not afraid to grapple with complex issues and ideas.

The Guardian - Books

"We will introduce a further raft of legislation to the parliament this year that will grapple with the more complex issues such as this".

The Guardian

He wished the public was willing to grapple with complex issues.

Los Angeles Times

Leaders need to grapple openly with complex issues and seek perspectives that challenge the established point of view.

Harvard Business Review

The parties are grappling with complex issues.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To provide context and impact, follow "grapple with a complex issue" with specific details about the issue's nature and significance. For example, "grapple with a complex issue" concerning climate change and its impact on coastal communities.

Common error

Avoid using only abstract language after "grapple with a complex issue". Be specific about the issue's real-world implications. Vague statements diminish the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grapple with a complex issue" functions as a verb phrase often followed by a noun or pronoun, indicating the object of the action. It highlights the act of dealing with something intricate or difficult, showcasing the effort involved in understanding or resolving it. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grapple with a complex issue" is a phrase used to describe the act of seriously addressing a difficult or intricate problem. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid English. While no direct examples were found in the search data, it is grammatically sound and can be used across various contexts to emphasize the effort and thought required. Alternative phrases like ""address a multifaceted challenge"" or ""tackle an intricate problem"" can be used depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure that it's followed by specific details to avoid vague language and enhance the sentence's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Wrestle with a demanding question

Substitutes "grapple with" with "wrestle with" maintaining a high similarity, and "complex issue" with "demanding question", emphasizing the effort needed.

Tackle an intricate problem

Substitutes "grapple with" with "tackle" and "complex issue" with "intricate problem", emphasizing a more hands-on approach.

Address a multifaceted challenge

Replaces "grapple with" with "address" and "complex issue" with "multifaceted challenge", focusing on directly confronting the problem.

Confront a complicated matter

Replaces "grapple with" with "confront" and "complex issue" with "complicated matter", suggesting a direct and potentially difficult encounter.

Work through a sophisticated challenge

Substitutes "grapple with" with "work through" and "complex issue" with "sophisticated challenge", focusing on a systematic and skillful approach.

Contend with a thorny subject

Uses "contend with" instead of "grapple with" and "thorny subject" to replace "complex issue", highlighting the difficulty and potential pain involved.

Navigate a labyrinthine question

Replaces "grapple with" with "navigate" and "complex issue" with "labyrinthine question", emphasizing the confusing and intricate nature of the problem.

Untangle a knotty dilemma

Substitutes "grapple with" with "untangle" and "complex issue" with "knotty dilemma", emphasizing the need to resolve confusion.

Delve into a convoluted situation

Replaces "grapple with" with "delve into" and "complex issue" with "convoluted situation", focusing on thorough investigation and understanding.

Mull over a perplexing quandary

Replaces "grapple with" with "mull over" and "complex issue" with "perplexing quandary", suggesting deep thought and consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "grapple with a complex issue" in a sentence?

Use "grapple with a complex issue" to describe the process of seriously addressing a difficult or intricate problem. For example, "The government is currently grappling with a complex issue related to healthcare reform".

What are some alternatives to "grapple with a complex issue"?

You can use alternatives such as "address a multifaceted challenge", "tackle an intricate problem", or "confront a complicated matter" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "grapple with a complex issue" or "solve a complex issue"?

"Grapple with a complex issue" implies an ongoing struggle or effort to understand or manage a problem, while "solve a complex issue" suggests a resolution has been found. The best choice depends on whether the problem is still being addressed or has been resolved.

What does it mean to "grapple with" something?

To "grapple with" something means to struggle with or try to deal with it. It suggests a serious and thoughtful effort to understand or overcome a challenge. You might say, "Scientists are grappling with a complex issue related to climate change".