grapple with the challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grapple with the challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of struggling to deal with or overcome a difficult situation or problem. Example: "As a team, we must grapple with the challenge of meeting our project deadlines while maintaining quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Participants can practice using objective criteria both as a sword and as a shield, and grapple with the challenge of judging the applicability of multiple objective criteria.

Harvard University

But hunting wayward tax revenues, gratifying though it may be for the self-esteem of analogue authorities, doesn't begin to grapple with the challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every screenwriter had to grapple with the challenge of making visual a narrative that exists to a large extent inside the head of the tormented Raskolnikov.

The New York Times

They will have to grapple with the challenge of growing their businesses while shrinking the impact their operations have on the environment.

The Guardian

The approach of an "ethics in the sciences" is suggested to grapple with the challenge of interdisciplinary "mixed judgments" or "epistemic-moral hybrids" linking the necessary empirical as well as normative aspects.

Geoethics Ethical Challenges and Case Studies in Earth Sciences

Even if French security forces can track down the expert behind the vests, they will still have to grapple with the challenge of cutting off illegal gun supplies to potential attackers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He knew firsthand what it was like to grapple with the challenges of the classroom.

The New York Times - Magazine

In their efforts to grapple with the challenges of industrialization, progressives championed three principal causes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a conviction politician ready to grapple with the challenges the country faces".

The Guardian

His goal was to bring together academics, politicians and businesspeople to grapple with the challenges of the new economy.

The New York Times

Now celebrating its sixth year, OpenScholar continues to enjoy and grapple with the challenges of ever-increasing adoption.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grapple with the challenge" to convey a sense of active engagement and struggle when facing a complex or difficult situation. It's particularly effective when the effort requires significant mental or physical effort.

Common error

Avoid using "grapple with the challenge" when a simpler term like "address" or "handle" would suffice. This phrase carries a weight of effort and struggle that isn't appropriate for routine or easily managed tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grapple with the challenge" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of actively confronting and struggling with a difficult task or problem, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

31%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grapple with the challenge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe actively struggling with a difficult task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "tackle the problem" or "address the issue" exist, "grapple with the challenge" emphasizes the intensity and effort involved. Ensure its use aligns with the weight of the situation to avoid overstatement. Top sources include The Guardian and The New York Times, underscoring its acceptance in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Face the difficulty

This is a more straightforward and less figurative way of expressing the same idea.

Tackle the problem

This alternative implies a proactive and energetic approach to resolving the difficulty.

Overcome the hurdle

This focuses on successfully surpassing a specific obstacle or difficulty.

Confront the obstacle

This alternative is more direct, focusing on facing the challenge head-on.

Deal with the matter

This suggests a pragmatic and efficient approach to handling the challenge.

Wrestle with the complexity

This alternative highlights the intricacy and difficulty of the challenge.

Address the issue

This suggests a more formal and problem-solving approach.

Contend with the adversity

This option is more forceful, indicating a struggle against something unfavorable.

Navigate the difficulty

This implies finding a way through a complex or challenging situation.

Manage the situation

This suggests a focus on controlling and resolving the challenge effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "grapple with the challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "grapple with the challenge" to describe a situation where someone is actively struggling to overcome a difficult problem. For example: "The team had to "grapple with the challenge" of integrating the new software into the existing system."

What are some alternatives to "grapple with the challenge"?

Alternatives include "tackle the problem", "address the issue", or "face the difficulty", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "grapple with the challenge" or "grapple with the challenges"?

Both are correct, but "grapple with the challenge" is generally used when referring to a specific, singular obstacle. "Grapple with the challenges" is used when referring to multiple or a series of difficulties.

What's the nuance between "grapple with the challenge" and "deal with the challenge"?

"Grapple with the challenge" implies a more intense and active struggle, whereas "deal with the challenge" suggests a more straightforward, problem-solving approach. The former emphasizes the effort involved, while the latter focuses on resolution.