personal struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to an individual's internal challenges or difficulties that they may face. Example: Despite her personal struggle with anxiety, Sarah was determined to give a public speech at the conference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a personal struggle to get closer to God.

The New Yorker

Kaine described his personal struggle in implementing the death penalty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Giambi's personal struggle also had something to do with it.

The New York Times - Sports

This is after all a collective struggle and not just a personal struggle.

The New York Times

DR.SEIDL: The Prosecution once mentioned that it was more a personal struggle for power.

Yale University

They are designed to leave fallibility behind, to hover somewhere above personal struggle.

The New York Times - Arts

The final chapter focuses on the author's personal struggle with anxiety and depression.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Ball's work reflects, in one way or another, a life that has been shadowed by personal struggle.

The New York Times

And some members spoke up publicly about how the legislation would affect their personal struggle with infertility.

The New York Times

Should I value consistent excellence or better results at the end of a personal struggle?

The New York Times

With support from teachers, each student creates an audio recording of a personal struggle―just like on the show.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "personal struggle", be specific about the nature of the challenge and its impact on the individual. Provide context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or sensational language when describing a "personal struggle". Focus on conveying the reality of the experience without exaggerating or romanticizing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal struggle" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it describes a difficult situation or challenge faced by an individual. The adjective "personal" emphasizes that the struggle is specific to the individual's experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal struggle" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe an individual's challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable in various contexts. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "individual challenge" or "inner conflict" exist, "personal struggle" provides a direct and relatable way to convey empathy and understanding. When using the phrase, focus on specifics and avoid over-dramatization to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual challenge

Replaces "struggle" with a more general term for a difficult task or situation.

personal hardship

Highlights the suffering and difficulty experienced by the individual.

individual adversity

Focuses on overcoming unfavorable circumstances or misfortune.

private battle

Uses a metaphor of combat to emphasize the difficulty and personal nature of the struggle.

private suffering

Emphasizes the pain and distress experienced by the individual, often kept hidden.

private trial

Emphasizes the testing and challenging nature of the experience.

individual ordeal

Suggests a particularly difficult or painful experience.

inner conflict

Focuses on the internal, psychological aspect of the struggle.

personal tribulation

A more formal and intense way of saying hardship or suffering.

internal difficulty

Highlights the inherent troubles someone is dealing with.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal struggle" to describe a difficult challenge an individual faces. For example, "Her disabilities made her "personal struggle" harder than what most of us will ever encounter."

What are some alternatives to "personal struggle"?

Alternatives include "individual challenge", "private battle", or "inner conflict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "personal struggle" or "individual struggle"?

Both "personal struggle" and "individual struggle" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "personal struggle" might be slightly more common.

What's the difference between a "personal struggle" and a "professional struggle"?

A "personal struggle" refers to challenges in someone's private life, while a "professional struggle" involves difficulties encountered in their career or work environment.