powerful struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powerful struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or intense conflict or challenge, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The activists engaged in a powerful struggle for social justice, facing numerous obstacles along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Every time the Queen Elizabeth 2 arrives, and every time it sails, a powerful struggle ensues among the ship, the pier and the current.

The New York Times - Arts

The 2002 hit-and-run in Mumbai involving the actor, whose film hits include Bodyguard, Dabangg and Ek Tha Tige, is one of a number of incidents in India where drink driving cases relating to the rich or powerful struggle to reach the courts.

Independent

Many anglers consider the rainbow trout the hardest-fighting trout species, as this fish is known for leaping when hooked and putting up a powerful struggle.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The truth is that even the Communist Party, though powerful, struggles to steer the stockmarket along its desired path.

The Economist

The power struggle between the powerful and the powerless.

The Guardian - Books

Or was the whole thing merely a power struggle between two powerful people?

The New York Times

Still, the Chen Liangyu case is unusual because few members of the Politburo face legal troubles, even when there is some evidence of corruption, unless there are sharp political conflicts or a ferocious power struggle with more powerful leaders.

The New York Times

And despite having hundreds of these structures, even the most powerful computers struggle to accurately compute a protein's shape from the DNA sequences that produce them.

BBC

Billions stars Lewis, Paul Giamatti, Malin Akerman and Maggie Siff in what Lewis calls a show about "powerful men struggling to maintain kingdoms" in a corporate and legal world.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His successor, Jayasimha II, fought many battles with the Cholas in the south around c. 1020-21 when both these powerful kingdoms struggled to choose the Vengi king.

Wikipedia

Using a combination of archival footage and distorted images, Sears gives viewers the impression of a powerful man struggling to cope with the burden of carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "powerful struggle", ensure the context clearly indicates both the intensity and the stakes involved. This phrase is most effective when describing conflicts with significant consequences or demanding substantial effort.

Common error

Avoid using "powerful struggle" to describe minor disagreements or everyday inconveniences. This phrase carries significant weight and can sound exaggerated if applied to trivial situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powerful struggle" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a conflict or challenge that is both intense and significant, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "powerful struggle" is a noun phrase used to describe a conflict or challenge characterized by intensity and significance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant its gravitas. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media sources and is less common in academic or business settings. Remember to use alternatives like "intense conflict" or "fierce battle" to provide variety or emphasize specific nuances. Be mindful of overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its impact. This phrase effectively conveys the high stakes and substantial effort involved in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense conflict

Focuses on the high degree of intensity within the conflict.

fierce battle

Highlights the aggressive and competitive nature of the struggle.

major contention

Emphasizes the significance and importance of the disagreement or conflict.

strenuous effort

Shifts focus to the demanding and energetic nature of the undertaking.

arduous endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and labor involved in the effort.

vigorous competition

Stresses the energetic and active engagement in a competitive scenario.

formidable challenge

Focuses on the daunting and imposing nature of the obstacle.

significant clash

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the confrontation.

forceful contest

Highlights the strength and vigor applied in the competition.

stiff opposition

Focuses on the strong resistance encountered during the struggle.

FAQs

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

You can use "powerful struggle" to describe a significant and intense conflict or challenge. For example: "The activists engaged in a "powerful struggle" for social justice, facing numerous obstacles along the way."

What are some alternatives to "powerful struggle"?

Alternatives include "intense conflict", "fierce battle", or "major contention", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "powerful struggle" a formal or informal phrase?

"Powerful struggle" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is most effective in situations where the intensity and significance of the conflict are paramount.

Can "powerful struggle" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "powerful struggle" can be used metaphorically to describe internal conflicts or challenges that require significant effort and resilience. For example, "His journey through recovery was a "powerful struggle" against addiction."