struggle a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle a lot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that someone is having difficulty in achieving or understanding something. For example: "My daughter has been struggling a lot with math this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But I struggle a lot on the inside.

The Guardian - Business

"You struggle a lot, but it works," she said.

The New York Times

"Mum had to struggle a lot to bring us up and I have enormous admiration for her".

Independent

A lot happened between "Graduation" and "808s," obviously: a lot of struggle, a lot of tough things for you.

The New York Times - Arts

In the other way, by coming here also I have to struggle a lot to make my life easier.

The New York Times

Like many artists, you had to struggle a lot to establish yourself and get recognized in the highly competitive world of Hindi music.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I struggled a lot".

The New York Times

"I struggled a lot tonight," Lin said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have struggled a lot," he said.

The New York Times

I was obviously struggling a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

"The community has been struggling a lot," Mr. Mishra said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggle a lot", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is struggling with. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "struggle a lot" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less professional. Replace it with more sophisticated synonyms like "encounter significant challenges" or "experience considerable difficulty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle a lot" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the degree of difficulty someone or something encounters in achieving a goal or managing a situation. Ludwig shows many examples of its application in describing personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struggle a lot" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express significant difficulty or hardship. Ludwig confirms its acceptability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts like news and general conversation, and it may be replaced by more sophisticated alternatives in formal or academic writing. Be mindful of the context to maintain clarity and professionalism. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, indicating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience great difficulty

Stresses the intensity of the difficulty.

have a difficult time

Focuses on the experience of hardship.

go through a lot of difficulty

Highlights the experience of navigating numerous challenges.

have a tough time

Uses more informal language to convey difficulty.

face considerable challenges

Emphasizes the presence of significant obstacles.

contend with significant problems

Suggests active confrontation with substantial issues.

encounter many hardships

Highlights the numerous difficulties faced.

grapple with many issues

Implies a struggle with complex or multifaceted problems.

wrestle with challenges

Emphasizes the ongoing and active nature of the struggle.

labor under great adversity

Conveys a sense of prolonged and arduous effort against unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "struggle a lot" to describe difficulties someone faces. For example, "He "struggles a lot" with math" or "They "struggle a lot" to make ends meet".

What are some alternatives to "struggle a lot"?

Consider alternatives like "experience great difficulty", "have a difficult time", or "face considerable challenges" for variety and formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "struggle a lot"?

Yes, "struggle a lot" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and common usage.

When should I avoid using "struggle a lot"?

In very formal or academic writing, "struggle a lot" may sound too informal. Opt for more sophisticated phrases like "contend with significant problems" or "labor under great adversity" to maintain a professional tone.