intense struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or instance where someone is putting forth a lot of effort in a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "The team experienced an intense struggle but eventually came out victorious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For four or five days an intense struggle reigned.

The Guardian

The result has been an intense struggle to find and press cases with Supreme Court potential.

The New York Times

An intense struggle for influence took place during the year among Yeltsin's aides and ministers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His decisions and speeches are written in long-hand, frequently after hours of intense struggle.

The New Yorker

The TRAN president said that after decades of intense struggle, a better tomorrow may be dawning for the textile industry.

Cornell University

"This country fell victim to the intense struggle within the U.S. government over Iraq policy," Mr. Makiya said.

The New York Times

The trial reflects a particularly intense struggle between the Egyptian government and Qatar, which owns Al Jazeera.

The New York Times

Each building, in its own way, embodies an intense struggle over the meaning of public space in the new China.

The New York Times - Arts

The day ended with what was clearly an intense struggle behind the scenes, which left political analysts with tantalizing questions.

The New York Times

"May 1968" is often used as shorthand to describe a much longer period of intense struggle which spanned the globe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were at bottom moral judgments, often squeezed out of intense struggles with his own nature and an almost perversely hard life.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense struggle" to describe situations involving significant effort and opposition, where the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "intense struggle" to describe everyday inconveniences or minor challenges. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve considerable effort and resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense struggle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples in Ludwig show it describing various forms of conflict, effort, or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense struggle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes situations marked by significant effort and opposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across various contexts, although its prevalence is particularly noticeable in news and media. When using the phrase, be mindful of the intensity of the situation to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "fierce battle" or "arduous effort" for nuanced meanings. Remember that while the phrase is commonly used, clarity and context remain key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce battle

Emphasizes the combative aspect of the struggle, often implying a more direct confrontation.

bitter conflict

Conveys a sense of animosity and deep-seated disagreement within the struggle.

arduous effort

Highlights the difficulty and laboriousness involved in the endeavor.

vigorous competition

Focuses on the competitive nature of the situation, suggesting rivalry and striving for success.

strenuous exertion

Emphasizes the physical or mental energy expended in the process.

grueling ordeal

Highlights the exhausting and challenging nature of the experience.

severe hardship

Highlights the difficulties and adverse conditions faced during the struggle.

determined push

Focuses on the unwavering resolve and effort applied to overcome obstacles.

challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the task or project.

laborious undertaking

Emphasizes the extensive effort and time required to complete the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense struggle" to describe a difficult or challenging situation that requires a lot of effort and determination. For example, "The company faced an intense struggle to stay afloat during the recession."

What are some synonyms for "intense struggle"?

Alternatives include "fierce battle", "arduous effort", or "vigorous competition", depending on the specific context.

Is "intense struggle" formal or informal?

"Intense struggle" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience and purpose of your writing to determine if a more specific alternative might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "intense struggle" and "minor setback"?

"Intense struggle" describes a situation with significant challenges and effort, while "minor setback" refers to a small, temporary obstacle.