he struggles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he struggles" is a perfectly grammatically correct way to express an action in written English.
For example, you could say: "Though he tried his hardest, he struggles to keep up with the other students in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like his hero, he struggles.

The New York Times

He struggles for months.

The New York Times

He struggles to see the point.

The Economist

Still, he struggles with his own weight.

The New York Times - Health

He struggles to woo elderly voters.

The Economist

Don't go crazy if he struggles.

The New York Times

Lammey: He struggles with timing and touch.

The New York Times

That's what he struggles with.

The New York Times

He struggles to exude authority.

The New York Times

He struggles and starts again.

The New York Times - Magazine

He struggles: "It was enormous.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he struggles" to depict a character or subject facing difficulties, whether internal or external, physical or emotional. It effectively conveys a sense of effort and challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "he struggles" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "he wrestles", "he finds it difficult", or describing the specific challenges he faces to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he struggles" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "he" is the subject pronoun and "struggles" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "struggle". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples showcase its use in describing ongoing difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he struggles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote difficulty or effort. According to Ludwig AI, it is a perfectly correct way to express an action. Ludwig's examples showcase that it appears most often in news and media contexts. While versatile, varying your language can enhance your writing, as other alternatives are available. When using "he struggles", be sure to consider the specific nuance you want to convey, differentiating between internal struggles and external opposition. Consider alternative phrases such as "he finds it difficult", or "he faces challenges". Ultimately, its consistent presence across various reliable sources underscores its validity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he finds it difficult

Focuses on the inherent difficulty experienced.

he has a hard time

Emphasizes the unpleasantness of the difficulty.

he faces challenges

Highlights the obstacles encountered.

he wrestles with

Suggests a more internal or prolonged conflict.

he battles

Implies a more active and forceful struggle.

he grapples with

Similar to 'wrestles with', suggesting a close and difficult engagement.

he is challenged

More passive, focusing on being put in a difficult situation.

he is having a tough time

Informal way of expressing difficulty.

he is up against it

Idiomatic expression for facing considerable difficulties.

he perseveres through hardship

Emphasizes the act of continuing despite difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "he struggles" in a sentence?

You can use "he struggles" to describe someone facing difficulty or challenges in various situations. For example, "He struggles to balance work and family life" or "He struggles with the complex mathematical equation".

What are some alternatives to saying "he struggles"?

Alternatives include "he finds it difficult", "he has a hard time", "he faces challenges", or "he wrestles with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he struggles" or "he is struggling"?

Both "he struggles" and "he is struggling" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "He struggles" implies a general or ongoing difficulty, while "he is struggling" suggests a difficulty happening right now. Choose the one that best fits the specific situation you are describing.

What's the difference between "he struggles with" and "he struggles against"?

"He struggles with" usually refers to internal difficulties or inherent challenges (e.g., "He struggles with anxiety"), while "he struggles against" typically refers to external opposition or forces (e.g., "He struggles against the rising tide").