struggle between

USAGE SUMMARY

"struggle between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is usually used to indicate a conflict between two parties, usually one visible and the other unseen. For example, "The class was divided in a struggle between those who wanted to finish the project and those who wanted to move on to the next activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a struggle between them.

The New Yorker

Ecumenism represents the struggle between them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Documents the struggle between preservationists and developers.

University of California, Berkeley

succession struggle between the green-eyeshade C.F.O.

The New York Times

The resulting struggle between two powerful wills is a microcosm of the struggle between two cultures.

The New York Times - Books

Kohut examines the struggle between Russian centralism and Ukrainian autonomy.

Harvard University

The power struggle between the powerful and the powerless.

The Guardian - Books

Darwish has called the conflict a "struggle between two memories".

The Guardian - Books

It is not a struggle between enlightenment and barbarism.

The Guardian - Arts

The ideological struggle between autocracy and democracy is resurgent.

The Guardian

The struggle between the two goes on and on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "struggle between", clearly identify the opposing forces to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "The struggle between tradition and modernity is a recurring theme in the novel."

Common error

Avoid using "struggle between" to describe simple disagreements; reserve it for situations involving significant effort, opposition, or stakes. For example, using "struggle between" to describe a disagreement on the color of the wall is inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle between" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, describing a conflict or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often introduces the specific entities or ideas that are in contention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggle between" effectively conveys conflict or opposition, finding widespread use across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As evidenced by numerous examples, its primary function is to highlight opposing forces, whether in news, academic discourse, or general conversation. While alternatives like "conflict between" or "rivalry between" offer nuanced variations, "struggle between" remains a potent and versatile choice for describing significant contests. When employing this phrase, clarity in identifying the involved parties is crucial. By avoiding overuse in trivial situations, writers can harness its power to emphasize meaningful opposition. As mentioned by Ludwig, the phrase indicates conflict between two parties. Therefore, ensure you use it to highlight conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict between

Replaces "struggle" with a more general term for disagreement or clash.

battle between

Substitutes "struggle" with a word suggesting a more intense and decisive confrontation.

contention between

Uses a more formal word for "struggle", indicating a dispute or competition.

rivalry between

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of the relationship, suggesting an ongoing feud.

clash between

Highlights a direct and often sudden confrontation.

opposition between

Focuses on the contrasting positions or interests of the involved parties.

competition between

Replaces struggle with competition highlighting a race to achieve a goal

discord between

Highlights a lack of harmony or agreement.

tension between

Suggests underlying strain or unease in the relationship.

power play between

Indicates a strategic maneuvering for dominance or control.

FAQs

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

Use "struggle between" to describe a conflict or opposition between two or more entities. For example, "The film portrays the "struggle between" good and evil" or "There's a "struggle between" wanting to save money and wanting to buy new things".

What are some alternatives to "struggle between"?

Alternatives include "conflict between", "battle between", or "rivalry between" depending on the specific context and the intensity of the opposition.

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

Yes, "struggle between" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure that the context warrants such a strong term. In less intense situations, consider alternatives like "difference between" or "distinction between".

What's the difference between "struggle between" and "tension between"?

"Struggle between" implies an active contest or conflict, while "tension between" suggests underlying strain or unease that may not necessarily involve direct confrontation. The former is more overt, while the latter can be more subtle.