ongoing struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or persistent effort to overcome challenges or difficulties in various contexts, such as personal, social, or political issues. Example: "The community has faced an ongoing struggle for equal rights and representation in local government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it will be an ongoing struggle.

The New Yorker

But it's an ongoing struggle.

The Guardian

It's an ongoing struggle, and it's real.

The New York Times

But it's an ongoing struggle in Northern Ireland.

Independent

Managing the mental highs and lows is an ongoing struggle.

The New York Times

"This is going to be an ongoing struggle".

The New York Times

It's an ongoing struggle but one I'm enjoying.

The Guardian

Dave Barry and his ongoing struggle with low-flowing toilets.

The New Yorker

The ongoing struggle led to confrontation with Indira Gandhi's government.

The Guardian

"It was an ongoing struggle," Ms. Tomshack said.

The New York Times - Style

The real prize: humanity's continued supremacy in the ongoing struggle to preserve our status against computers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ongoing struggle" to convey a sense of persistence and difficulty, suggesting that the issue requires sustained effort to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing struggle" when a simpler term like "challenge" or "effort" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or inflated in situations where the difficulty is not genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing struggle" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a state of continuous effort and difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ongoing struggle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe persistent challenges and sustained effort, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of difficulty and perseverance. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in simpler contexts. Related phrases like "continuous battle" or "persistent challenge" offer alternatives to maintain writing quality. The key is to ensure clarity and relevance, defining the specific context of the struggle to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous battle

Emphasizes the combative nature of the effort.

persistent challenge

Highlights the enduring nature of the difficulty.

constant effort

Focuses on the sustained exertion required.

unending difficulty

Stresses the lack of resolution.

unceasing effort

Similar to "constant effort" but with a stronger sense of relentlessness.

perpetual challenge

Implies a never-ending cycle of difficulty.

sustained campaign

Suggests a planned and prolonged effort.

protracted conflict

Emphasizes the extended duration and confrontational nature.

incessant battle

Highlights the relentless and repetitive nature of the conflict.

never-ending quest

Focuses on the pursuit of a goal despite continuous obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "ongoing struggle" to describe a continuous effort to overcome challenges or difficulties. For example: "The "ongoing struggle for equality"" or "Managing mental health is an "ongoing struggle" for many".

What are some alternatives to "ongoing struggle"?

You can use alternatives like "continuous battle", "persistent challenge", or "constant effort" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "ongoing struggle" in formal writing?

Yes, "ongoing struggle" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news, academic, and business contexts where describing persistent challenges is relevant.

What is the difference between "ongoing struggle" and "one-time event"?

"Ongoing struggle" refers to a continuous, sustained effort over time, while a "one-time event" is a single occurrence. For example, fighting for social justice is often an "ongoing struggle", whereas winning a single election is a "one-time event".