mental strife

USAGE SUMMARY

"mental strife" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to struggles with one's mental health or emotional wellbeing. Example: "The recent pandemic has been the source of much mental strife for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He would not cease from mental strife.

The New Yorker

These 17 works (counting the one-movement Grosse Fuge Op 133 separately) span the composer's mature creative life and track his growing deafness, bouts of illness and mental strife.

The Guardian - Music

The text's shifts in style are matched by dark artwork that mixes caricatured renderings of Munch's boozy, bickering bohemian clique with careful re-creations of works in progress, photos and images of mental strife.

The Guardian - Books

Two grey-haired wise men were going to face each other in mental strife.

BBC

He has been honest in the past about his fits of mental strife and when he closes the door behind him in his home in Morecambe, the mundane nature of everyday life, that great enemy of elite sportsmen and women, will begin to seep in.

BBC

I completely understand the mental strife an assault causes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The fictional town of Capeside had it all: unrequited, grandly declared love, family strife, mental illness, tortured sexuality and even a little light racism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The bulk of the abuse and neglect cases come about because of universal human afflictions: alcoholism and drug abuse, domestic anger and strife, mental illness.

The New York Times

In the movie's tedious back-and-forth shouting matches, the guests reveal their struggles with addiction, mental illness, family strife and acute financial pressures.

The New York Times

Despite the characters' obvious individual issues – mental health difficulties, marital strife and drug and alcohol dependency – there isn't always a sense of victimhood or hopeless entrapment.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was also the setting for a glorious gift in the strife for mental fortitude: reaching, matching and ultimately dropping the cycling legend Miguel Indurain.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mental strife" to convey a sense of ongoing internal conflict rather than a fleeting moment of sadness or anxiety. It suggests a deeper, more persistent struggle.

Common error

While "mental strife" is a valid phrase, it may sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "stress" or "worry" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental strife" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a state of internal conflict or distress. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and refers to struggles with one's mental health or emotional wellbeing. Examples found show its use in describing personal struggles or broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental strife" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of internal conflict or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is valid and suitable for formal writing. It's most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct and clear in meaning, remember that it can sound overly dramatic in casual settings, so consider alternatives like "emotional turmoil" or "inner conflict" to better match the desired tone. The expression is valuable for conveying a sense of ongoing, significant internal struggle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional turmoil

Focuses on the turbulent nature of emotions experienced.

inner conflict

Emphasizes the battle occurring within one's mind.

psychological distress

Highlights the mental and emotional suffering experienced.

emotional distress

Emphasizes the suffering nature of emotions experienced.

mental anguish

Stresses the deep pain and suffering of the mind.

internal struggle

Highlights the act of contending with oneself.

cognitive dissonance

Refers to the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs.

emotional upheaval

Suggests a sudden and significant disruption of emotional stability.

psychic pain

Implies a deep, often indescribable, emotional suffering.

spiritual conflict

Highlights a struggle related to one's beliefs or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "mental strife" in a sentence?

You can use "mental strife" to describe a state of internal conflict or emotional distress. For example, "The protagonist's journey was marked by constant mental strife" or "The pressures of modern life often lead to mental strife".

What are some alternatives to "mental strife"?

Some alternatives to "mental strife" include "emotional turmoil", "inner conflict", or "psychological distress", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "mental strife" a formal or informal expression?

"Mental strife" is generally considered a formal expression suitable for academic, professional, or literary contexts. In more casual settings, simpler terms may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "mental strife" and "mental illness"?

"Mental strife" refers to a state of internal conflict or emotional distress, while "mental illness" denotes a diagnosable medical condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, or behavior. "Mental strife" may be a symptom of a "mental illness", but it is not the same thing.