intellectual struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mental challenge or conflict that involves deep thinking or contemplation, often in the context of learning or personal growth. Example: "The novel explores the protagonist's intellectual struggle as he grapples with complex philosophical questions about existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The history of macroeconomics begins in intellectual struggle.

The Economist

IT'S a pity, because there's an intellectual struggle in America now about how to portray Islam.

The New York Times - Books

So much of his lifelong intellectual struggle and his work still seems pertinent.

The Guardian - Books

Years of research, intellectual struggle and hard labor have gone into the words on the pages.

The New York Times - Books

In short, it's not that ideas of government interventionism and free markets are fighting a titanic intellectual struggle.

The New York Times

Namazie is on the right side of the great intellectual struggle of our time between incompatible versions of liberalism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In such painful adaptations, in such intellectual struggles, Smolny may find its way.

The New York Times

In this case, as peace plans evolve and bloodshed continues, such intellectual struggles may even alter those future prospects.

The New York Times - Books

While intellectual struggles between pragmatism and purity have driven soccer narratives in many corners of the world, it is in Argentina, perhaps, that the dichotomy most shapes the battle for the soul of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Where Saxo's Hamlet pretended to be mad in order to lay his plans for revenge against his uncle and successfully carried them out, Shakespeare's retelling shows how the modern intellectual struggles to discover the truth, in the still-medieval world of the Danish court.

The Guardian - Books

The group become the epicentre for a wide network of politicians, planners, activists and intellectual struggling for a participatory, a fairer urban development.

City, Territory and Architecture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "intellectual struggle" to describe the process of grappling with complex theories and concepts, especially when discussing historical or philosophical debates.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual struggle" to describe simple disagreements or everyday problems. The phrase implies a deep, often prolonged, engagement with complex ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual struggle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a demanding mental process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Books

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual struggle" effectively conveys the challenging process of engaging with complex ideas. Grammatically sound and versatile, it fits into numerous contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While alternatives like "cognitive challenge" or "mental exertion" exist, "intellectual struggle" specifically highlights the conflicting and effortful aspect of the endeavor. Predominantly found in News & Media and Books, it suits both general and academic discussions, with usage tips emphasizing depth over superficial disagreements. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual challenge

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the mental task.

struggle with ideas

Highlights the difficulty in processing concepts.

cognitive challenge

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the mental task.

mental battle

Highlights the conflict aspect of dealing with difficult concepts.

wrestling with concepts

Suggests a more active and engaged mental struggle.

mental exertion

Focuses on the effort and energy expended in thinking.

grappling with understanding

Emphasizes the effort to comprehend complex issues.

cognitive dissonance

Highlights the discomfort arising from conflicting thoughts.

conceptual difficulty

Points to problems in understanding or grasping ideas.

ideological conflict

Focuses on the disagreement and tension between different belief systems.

FAQs

What does "intellectual struggle" mean?

The phrase "intellectual struggle" refers to the difficult process of grappling with complex ideas, often involving critical thinking, problem-solving, and internal debate.

How can I use "intellectual struggle" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectual struggle" to describe a person's difficulty in understanding complex concepts, a debate between conflicting ideologies, or the effort involved in solving intricate problems. For example, "The scientist faced an intense "intellectual struggle" as she tried to reconcile the conflicting data."

What are some alternatives to "intellectual struggle"?

You can use alternatives like "cognitive challenge", "mental exertion", or "struggle with ideas" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "intellectual struggle" and "emotional struggle"?

"Intellectual struggle" pertains to difficulties in understanding and processing complex ideas, while "emotional struggle" refers to dealing with difficult feelings and emotional challenges.