struggle to control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle to control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a difficulty in managing or regulating something. Example: "The team had to struggle to control the chaos during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The struggle to control its government was in large part a struggle to control oil.

The New York Times

Some fear he will struggle to control his deputies.

The Guardian

But the problem is that I often struggle to control myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Further reading: "Atchafalaya" (February 23 , 1987: John McPhee on the struggle to control the Mississippi River.

The New Yorker

Alluding to the struggle to control the Senate, Mr. Cornyn said: "Texas made it clear tonight.

The New York Times

After a struggle to control my jealous rage I started to read.

The Guardian - Books

JUNE 22 -- Two women struggle to control the legacy of a Louisiana plantation.

The New York Times

But I struggle to control that fear, which makes being out and about very difficult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Bruni's attitude is an affront to those who struggle to control their blood sugar levels.

The New York Times

The struggle to control the next generation of Internet-enabled devises is only just beginning.

The Economist

Private insurance companies should be leading the way in the struggle to control health care costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggle to control", ensure the context clearly defines what is being controlled. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "struggle to control" in vague contexts. Ensure the object of control is clearly defined to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle to control" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a verbal complement within a sentence. It describes the act of trying to manage or regulate something, often implying difficulty or resistance. Ludwig highlights its broad applicability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggle to control" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe difficulties in managing or regulating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and it is appropriate for use in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While alternatives like "find it difficult to manage" or "have a hard time controlling" exist, "struggle to control" effectively conveys a sense of challenge. Best practices advise specificity in defining what is being controlled, ensuring clarity and avoiding overgeneralization. The phrase's neutral register and widespread usage make it a valuable tool for expressing the complexities of management and regulation across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find it difficult to manage

Replaces "struggle" with "find it difficult", emphasizing the difficulty of management.

have a hard time controlling

Emphasizes the difficulty through "have a hard time" instead of "struggle".

wrestle with managing

Uses "wrestle" to highlight the effort and conflict in managing.

grapple with regulation

Substitutes "control" with "regulation", suitable when dealing with rules or standards.

contend with governance

Uses "contend" and "governance" suggesting a challenge in overseeing or administering.

encounter difficulties in overseeing

Expresses the difficulty directly using "encounter difficulties" for oversight.

face challenges in directing

Highlights the challenges involved in directing something.

have trouble regulating

Similar to "have a hard time controlling", but uses "regulating".

battle to oversee

Uses "battle" to underscore the intense effort required for oversight.

labor to manage

Implies a laborious effort in managing something.

FAQs

How can I use "struggle to control" in a sentence?

You can use "struggle to control" to describe difficulties in managing something, like "The government continues to "struggle to control" inflation."

What phrases are similar to "struggle to control"?

Alternatives include "find it difficult to manage", "have a hard time controlling", or "wrestle with managing".

Is it better to use "struggle to control" or "strive to control"?

"Struggle to control" implies a greater degree of difficulty and effort than "strive to control", which suggests a determined effort but not necessarily a difficult one.

When is it appropriate to use "struggle to control" in writing?

Use "struggle to control" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and effort involved in managing or regulating something, often in situations where success is not guaranteed.