it is struggling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is struggling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, entity, or individual that is having difficulty or facing challenges. Example: "The company is facing financial difficulties, and it is struggling to maintain its market position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is struggling even on its home turf.

The Economist

It is struggling to fulfill its primary task: to draft a new constitution by mid-August.

The New Yorker

Disney was once the ultimate dream factory; now it is struggling to repeat its past successes.

The Economist

While Hollywood still dominates television production, industry experts there lament that it is struggling to retain its edge.

The New York Times - Arts

With an estimated 90% of its surface water heavily contaminated, it is struggling with a national clean-water crisis.

The Guardian

Now, as business travel slowly comes back, the meetings part of it is struggling to regain its footing.

The New York Times

But it is struggling to meet its financial targets.

BBC

And it is struggling against the odds to reform its society.

The Economist

But it is struggling.

The Economist

Now it is struggling to do so.

The Economist

It is struggling to keep up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is struggling", ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "it is struggling", specify: "The company is facing financial difficulties, and it is struggling to maintain its market position".

Common error

While acceptable, "it is struggling" can sound less formal. In formal reports or academic papers, consider stronger alternatives like "it is facing significant challenges" or "it is experiencing considerable difficulty" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is struggling" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular subject (represented by "it") is currently experiencing difficulty or challenges. Ludwig AI affirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is struggling" is a versatile phrase used to describe something facing challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's crucial to consider the formality of the writing context and choose more sophisticated alternatives for academic or formal settings. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is facing difficulties

Replaces "struggling" with a more general term for challenges.

it is having a hard time

Uses a more informal expression for experiencing difficulty.

it is encountering challenges

Emphasizes the obstacles being faced.

it is grappling with problems

Highlights the active effort to overcome issues.

it is contending with issues

Suggests a conflict or struggle against problems.

it is in trouble

A simpler way to express that something is facing negative consequences.

it is faltering

Indicates a loss of strength or momentum.

it is underperforming

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations.

it is declining

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

it is failing to thrive

Emphasizes the lack of growth or success.

FAQs

How can I use "it is struggling" in a sentence?

You can use "it is struggling" to describe something or someone that is facing difficulties or challenges. For example, "The company is facing financial difficulties, and "it is struggling" to maintain its market position".

What are some alternatives to "it is struggling"?

You can use alternatives like "it is facing difficulties", "it is having a hard time", or "it is encountering challenges" depending on the context.

Is "it is struggling" too informal for academic writing?

While acceptable, "it is struggling" may be perceived as less formal. In academic writing, consider more formal alternatives such as "it is facing significant challenges" or "it is experiencing considerable difficulty".

What's the difference between "it is struggling" and "it is failing"?

"It is struggling" suggests difficulty and effort, while "it is failing" implies a lack of success. "It is struggling" indicates ongoing effort despite problems, whereas "it is failing" suggests that those efforts are not yielding positive results and likely will not.