grappling with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grappling with" is a perfectly acceptable part of written English.
You can use it to describe someone trying to come to grips with a difficult problem. For example, you could say, "Sam was grappling with a complicated math equation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grappling with my thoughts.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're grappling with it".

The New York Times

"We're grappling with that".

The Guardian

The parties are grappling with complex issues.

The Economist

Others are grappling with dire circumstances.

The New York Times

And those are parents grappling with teenagers.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are still grappling with the consequences".

The New York Times - Books

Now they are grappling with its consequences.

The Economist

And we're grappling with the expense".

The New Yorker

Italy is still grappling with racism.

The New York Times

Ireland is still grappling with high unemployment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "grappling with". It's best suited for situations where there's a mental or strategic challenge, rather than a simple task.

Common error

Avoid using "grappling with" when simpler terms like "dealing with" or "handling" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grappling with" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating a subject's attempt to understand or manage a complex issue. Examples on Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from personal thoughts to global issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grappling with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actively trying to understand or resolve a complex issue. Ludwig highlights that it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely involve intellectual or strategic struggle. Alternatives such as "dealing with" or "addressing" may be more appropriate in simpler contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, mastering the use of "grappling with" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dealing with

This alternative is a more direct and common way of expressing managing or handling a situation.

wrestling with

This alternative implies a more intense and prolonged struggle, similar to a physical contest.

contending with

This alternative suggests facing and overcoming difficulties or opposition.

struggling with

This alternative conveys a sense of difficulty and effort in trying to overcome a problem.

tackling

This alternative refers to confront or take on a challenge directly and energetically.

addressing

This alternative is a more formal and neutral term for dealing with a specific issue or problem.

facing

This alternative indicates confronting a situation or problem directly.

confronting

This alternative suggests directly addressing a difficult or challenging situation.

managing

This alternative implies handling or controlling a situation or problem.

navigating

This alternative suggests carefully guiding oneself through a complex or challenging situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "grappling with" to describe someone who is trying to understand or solve a difficult problem. For example, "The government is "struggling with" economic recovery."

What are some alternatives to "grappling with"?

Some alternatives include "dealing with", "wrestling with", or "contending with", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "grappling with" or "dealing with" a problem?

"Grappling with" suggests a more profound intellectual or strategic struggle, while "dealing with" implies a more direct and practical approach to solving a problem. The best choice depends on the context.

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

"Grappling with" often refers to an intellectual or conceptual challenge, while "struggling with" can refer to any kind of difficulty, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual.