grapple with issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grapple with issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of struggling to understand or deal with complex problems or challenges. Example: "In her latest article, she grapples with issues of climate change and its impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

MSNBC has had to grapple with issues as seemingly superficial as Mr. Ventura's heft.

The New York Times

For the first time citizens will have the chance to grapple with issues around devolution.

The Guardian

In improvised dialogues, the clowns grapple with issues like globalization and overdevelopment that endanger the island's Hindu-animist traditions.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, an ocean away, another cast and crew will grapple with issues of national identity and clashing cultures: "The Bridge" franchise is growing.

The New York Times - Arts

But "you don't expect this to happen in Montclair" because "there's a lot of equanimity" in which "people grapple with issues rather than pushing them under the table".

The New York Times

But most administrators, who more often grapple with issues like state standards or alcohol abuse, don't seem concerned about the new look.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is still grappling with issues of stylistic identity as well as with current economic realities.

The New York Times - Food

The French authorities, of course, are not the only ones grappling with issues related to Islam.

The New York Times

These have been spirited meetings as the staff has grappled with issues never faced before.

The New York Times

This is not the first time the Fire Department has grappled with issues of equipment — or the lack of it.

The New York Times

The case before the court on Tuesday grappled with issues of equal rights, religious objections to same-sex marriage and wedding cake.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grapple with issues", ensure the context reflects a genuine struggle or intellectual engagement with the subject matter. Avoid using it for simple or easily resolved matters.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "grapple with issues" can sound overly formal or academic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "deal with" or "handle" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grapple with issues" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an active engagement in understanding or resolving complex situations. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it signifies more than just addressing a topic; it implies a struggle or effort in doing so.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grapple with issues" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that denotes a significant struggle to understand or resolve complex problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal contexts and commonly appears in news media and scientific discussions. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants the implication of a genuine struggle, avoiding its use in overly simplistic situations. Alternatives such as "deal with problems" or "address concerns" may be more suitable for less intense scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with problems

Focuses more on the action of addressing problems, less on the struggle.

wrestle with problems

Similar in meaning, emphasizing a difficult struggle.

contend with difficulties

Emphasizes the adversarial nature of the challenges.

confront challenges

Highlights the act of facing challenges directly.

struggle with dilemmas

Highlights the difficult or perplexing nature of the issues.

address concerns

Implies a focus on resolving specific worries or anxieties.

manage challenges

Implies a focus on overseeing and controlling difficulties.

tackle questions

Specifically refers to addressing intellectual or theoretical inquiries.

navigate complexities

Focuses on moving through intricate or confusing situations.

negotiate obstacles

Focuses on overcoming barriers through discussion or compromise.

FAQs

What does "grapple with issues" mean?

The phrase "grapple with issues" means to struggle to understand, deal with, or overcome complex problems or challenges. It implies a serious and thoughtful engagement with the subject at hand.

How can I use "grapple with issues" in a sentence?

You can use "grapple with issues" in a sentence like this: "The government is currently grappling with issues related to climate change" or "The new novel forces readers to grapple with issues of morality and justice".

What are some alternatives to "grapple with issues"?

You can use alternatives like "deal with problems", "contend with difficulties", or "address concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "grapple with issues" in formal writing?

Yes, "grapple with issues" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of serious engagement and intellectual effort, making it appropriate for academic papers, reports, and professional communications.