struggle into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of putting on clothing or an item with difficulty or effort. Example: "She struggled into her tight dress, feeling the fabric cling to her every curve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not everyone can make this struggle into art.

The New York Times

In this Internet age, children deserve to struggle into adulthood with some degree of privacy.

The New York Times

The conversion of the struggle into a crusade against slavery made European intervention impossible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Godane seems to be trying to plug a local struggle into a global ideology.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Clintons who struggle into the light are more ordinary and extraordinary than that.

The Guardian - Books

In the morning they came under my flysheet to watch me struggle into waterproofs.

The Guardian - Travel

Amazingly, however, a bus did struggle into view within ten minutes.

The Guardian

The wings are a hive of activity as actors struggle into or out of costume.

The Guardian

London commuters will struggle into work on Thursday when the capital's Tube network shuts down due to industrial action.

Independent

In "The Rendezvous of Victory", a decade later, liberation transforms a hero of the struggle into a puffed-up drunk.

The Guardian - Books

As she confides her tale, she also addresses her mother's bluntly conflicted reaction to her art, and folds their struggle into the writing of the memoir itself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone putting on clothing, consider using "struggle into" to convey the effort and difficulty involved, especially when the clothing is tight or cumbersome.

Common error

While "struggle into" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use alternatives like "wrestle into" or "squeeze into" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle into" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically indicating the act of putting something on or entering a space with considerable difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates that is correct and usable in written English. Examples include "struggle into waterproofs" or "struggle into consciousness".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "struggle into" effectively describes putting something on or entering a space with difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's most suitable for neutral to informal contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "wrestle into" or "force oneself into". When writing, remember that "struggle into" adds emphasis to the effort involved in the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrestle into

Implies a more intense struggle, suggesting significant effort and resistance.

squeeze into

Specifically refers to fitting into a tight space or garment, often implying discomfort.

cram oneself into

Highlights the feeling of being uncomfortably compressed inside something.

force oneself into

Highlights the element of coercion and determination required to fit into something.

pull on with difficulty

Focuses specifically on clothing and the effort involved in putting it on.

clamber into

Suggests an awkward or uncoordinated movement to get into something, often involving climbing.

shove into

Suggests a forceful and abrupt entry, disregarding potential discomfort or damage.

maneuver into

Emphasizes the need for careful and strategic movement to enter something.

edge into

Suggests a slow and cautious entry, often due to uncertainty or limited space.

ease into

Indicates a gentle and gradual entry, often to avoid discomfort or disturbance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "struggle into" describes putting something on with difficulty. For example, "He had to "struggle into" the breeches."

What's a good substitute for "struggle into"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "wrestle into", "squeeze into", or "force oneself into".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "struggle into"?

While generally acceptable, using "struggle into" might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Choose more precise and sophisticated vocabulary in those contexts.

What's the difference between "struggle into" and "get into"?

"Get into" is a neutral term for entering or putting something on. "Struggle into" implies difficulty and effort, suggesting the process is not easy or smooth.