grappled with the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"grappled with the issue" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a difficult problem or challenge that requires deep thought or effort to understand or resolve. Example: The committee grappled with the issue of funding for the new project. Alternative expressions include "struggled with the problem" and "wrestled with the challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Connecticut lawmakers, too, have already grappled with the issue.

The New York Times

Other cities in New Jersey have grappled with the issue of barbed wire fencing.

The New York Times

THIS is not the first time Congress has grappled with the issue.

The New York Times

Mr. Ray grappled with the issue of how tall to make the sculpture.

The New York Times - Arts

grappled with the issue of homosexuality and specifically with the question of whether homosexuals should be barred from ordination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Schoenberg grappled with the issue for 17 years after a shocking brush with a 1993 murder.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

U.S. courts grappled with the issues raised by data breach litigation brought by consumers and others.

Columbia University

And recently Martin himself has grappled with the issues surrounding management education and its contribution to the corporate arena.

Harvard Business Review

They were volcanic phenomena, eccentric thinkers who located new problems and grappled with the issues of their age.

The Guardian

First Amendment doctrine was mostly a function of ad hoc decision-making as the Court grappled with the issues posed by Communist Party advocacy and association.

The New Yorker

It also shows how Americans grappled with the issues of nationalism, sectionalism, and the meaning of union itself issues that still resonate today.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grappled with the issue" when you want to convey that someone has seriously and thoughtfully tried to understand or solve a complex problem. It suggests a level of intellectual engagement and effort.

Common error

While "grappled with the issue" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use alternatives like "addressed the problem" or "tackled the challenge" to diversify your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grappled with the issue" functions as a verb phrase indicating a sustained effort to understand or resolve a complex problem. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable expression. The verb "grappled" shows the intensity of dealing with the subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grappled with the issue" effectively conveys a sustained and thoughtful effort to understand or resolve a complex problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, signaling its neutral register. When writing, consider that alternatives like "addressed the problem" or "tackled the challenge" may offer more precise meanings depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While "grappled with the issue" is grammatically sound and frequently used, varying your phrasing can enhance clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrestled with the problem

Emphasizes the struggle and difficulty in resolving the issue.

came to grips with the matter

Indicates a gradual understanding and acceptance of the issue.

addressed the problem

Focuses more on taking action than struggling to understand.

confronted the matter

Implies a more direct and possibly forceful approach.

tackled the challenge

Highlights the difficulty of the issue.

contended with the subject

Indicates dealing with a topic that is often controversial or difficult.

deliberated on the question

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful consideration.

navigated the complexity

Highlights the intricate and complicated nature of the issue.

endeavored to resolve the problem

Emphasizes effort and intention to find a solution.

examined the situation

Focuses on careful investigation and analysis.

FAQs

What does "grappled with the issue" mean?

The phrase "grappled with the issue" means to struggle to understand or deal with a complex problem or question. It implies a serious and thoughtful effort to find a solution or resolution.

How can I use "grappled with the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "grappled with the issue" to describe a situation where someone is trying to understand or solve a difficult problem. For example: "The committee "grappled with the issue" of funding for the new project."

What are some alternatives to "grappled with the issue"?

Alternatives to "grappled with the issue" include "addressed the problem", "tackled the challenge", or "wrestled with the problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "grappled with the issue"?

Yes, "grappled with the issue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It accurately describes the act of struggling to understand or resolve a complex problem.