struggle against

USAGE SUMMARY

"struggle against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or struggle against a particular thing, such as a physical condition, an opposing force, or an idea. For example, "The people of the small island nation have been struggling against political oppression for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(See Special Report: Africa's Struggle Against AIDS).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Teachers and the Struggle Against AIDS.

Unicef

In particular, it can struggle against spin.

The New York Times - Sports

The struggle against Bolshevism became most intense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the struggle against nature".

The Economist

The struggle against authority defined Rose's life.

The New Yorker

"He did struggle against Philadelphia," Fox said.

The New York Times - Sports

The struggle against organized religion is lonely.

The New York Times - Arts

11 p.m. Struggle against growing torpor.

The New York Times - Arts

"I am convinced that the struggle against torture begins with the struggle against impunity," he said.

The New York Times

Silent and violent struggle against the plastic packaging..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggle against", ensure that the object of the preposition 'against' is a clearly defined entity, such as a force, an idea, or a condition. This helps to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "struggle against" when a simpler verb like 'oppose' or 'resist' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle against" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of actively opposing or resisting something. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely used in various contexts to describe efforts to overcome challenges or conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggle against" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe active opposition or resistance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although care should be taken to avoid overusing it in simplistic situations. Alternatives include "fight against", "resist", and "oppose", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "struggle against" when highlighting an ongoing effort to overcome a clearly defined obstacle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fight against

A common synonym, implying active opposition.

resist

Implies a refusal to give in or accept something.

combat

A more direct and forceful way of expressing opposition.

grapple with

Implies a close and difficult struggle.

oppose

A simpler way of expressing disagreement or resistance.

contend with

Indicates dealing with difficulties or challenges.

defend against

Focuses on protecting something from attack or harm.

withstand

Suggests enduring or holding out against something.

counteract

Implies acting to neutralize a negative effect.

tackle

Suggests addressing a problem or challenge directly.

FAQs

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

You can use "struggle against" to describe the act of actively opposing or fighting something. For example, "The country must "struggle against" corruption" or "He had to "struggle against" his own doubts".

What are some alternatives to "struggle against"?

Alternatives to "struggle against" include "fight against", "resist", "combat", or "oppose", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "struggle against" or "struggle with"?

While both are valid, "struggle against" implies a direct opposition, whereas "struggle with" suggests a difficulty in dealing with something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize opposition or difficulty. So, "struggle against" focuses on direct opposition, while "struggle with" focuses on managing a difficult situation.

What's the difference between "struggle against" and "battle against"?

"Struggle against" is a more general term for opposing something, while "battle against" suggests a more intense and sustained conflict. For instance, you might "struggle against" temptation, but "battle against" an enemy.