grappling with problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grappling with problems" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could say, "The team was grappling with problems all day, trying to find the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That is certainly optimistic.Engineers are grappling with problems with little precedent.

The Economist

The church is grappling with problems like a shortage of young Japanese priests and nuns.

The New York Times

The nervous people who kept shifting about in "Shift," a new work, were clearly grappling with problems of change.

The New York Times

"Politicians across the UK are grappling with problems like congested roads, air pollution and increasing levels of obesity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The increased demand for gas comes as supplies have tightened and refineries are grappling with problems that have cut production, analysts said.

The Washington Post

Why? Xerox is still grappling with problems in its sales force and customer service operations and with customer fears that it may face another liquidity crisis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I think artists can grapple with problems in that way".

The New Yorker

Better to grapple with problems as they emerge, in ad-hoc groups of existing organisations.

The Economist

Political, business and financial leaders around the world grappled with problems they barely understood.

The New York Times - Books

He thinks, for instance, it should grapple with problems like poverty, as well as express negative views.

The New Yorker

Through the years, they have grappled with problems of gender, race and even income when sizing up their staff.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a determined effort to solve complex issues, "grappling with problems" can add a sense of seriousness and active engagement. Use it to convey that the subject is not just passively facing problems, but actively trying to overcome them.

Common error

Avoid using "grappling with problems" when simpler terms like "addressing" or "handling" would suffice. Reserve it for scenarios where the problems are genuinely complex and require significant effort to resolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grappling with problems" functions as a verb phrase, where "grappling" is the present participle of the verb "grapple" and "with problems" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying the verb. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grappling with problems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a serious and active effort to resolve difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While suitable for various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news media and academic discussions. When writing, ensure that the complexity of the situation warrants the use of this phrase, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for less challenging scenarios. Related phrases include "dealing with challenges" and "addressing issues", offering subtle variations in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrestling with difficulties

Similar to "grappling", this suggests a struggle, but perhaps a more prolonged one.

dealing with challenges

This alternative is less intense than "grappling", suggesting a more managed approach to difficulties.

tackling difficulties

This phrase emphasizes taking direct action to overcome obstacles.

working through issues

This suggests a process-oriented approach to resolving problems over time.

addressing issues

This is a more formal and direct way of saying "grappling with problems", often used in professional contexts.

confronting obstacles

This alternative highlights the act of facing challenges head-on.

contending with hardships

This phrase emphasizes the severity and difficulty of the problems being faced.

managing complications

This phrase focuses on the organizational aspect of handling complex situations.

navigating complexities

This suggests a strategic approach to dealing with intricate problems.

handling predicaments

This alternative implies dealing with unexpected and often difficult situations.

FAQs

What does "grappling with problems" mean?

The phrase "grappling with problems" means actively struggling to understand, solve, or overcome difficulties. It suggests a determined effort to address complex or challenging issues.

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

You can use "grappling with problems" to describe situations where individuals or groups are actively trying to resolve difficult issues. For example, "The engineers are grappling with problems related to the new software update."

What are some alternatives to "grappling with problems"?

You can use alternatives like "dealing with challenges", "addressing issues", or "tackling difficulties" depending on the context.

Is "grappling with problems" formal or informal?

"Grappling with problems" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "addressing issues" to convey a more professional tone.