struggle to find

USAGE SUMMARY

"struggle to find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking or writing about someone working hard to locate or identify something. Example: Emily continued to struggle to find the solution to her math problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Chinese administrators struggle to find seasoned professors.

The New York Times

Firms struggle to find affordable credit.

The Economist

Others struggle to find work.

The New York Times

Romanian authorities struggle to find sustainable solutions.

Yale University

"You struggle to find places to play.

The New York Times

We struggle to find a job.

The New York Times

Many will struggle to find employment.

The Guardian - Tech

And I struggle to find an explanation.

The Guardian - Sport

"That struggle to find your way".

The New York Times

Travellers may struggle to find acceptable accommodation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He may struggle to find coalition partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struggle to find" when you want to convey the effort and difficulty involved in locating or identifying something, rather than a simple inability to find it.

Common error

Avoid using "struggle to find" when a simpler phrase like "can't find" or "unable to locate" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle to find" functions as a verb phrase indicating difficulty or effort in locating or identifying something. It highlights that the act of finding requires considerable effort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggle to find" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys difficulty in locating or identifying something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While alternatives like "have difficulty locating" or "find it hard to locate" exist, "struggle to find" specifically highlights the effort involved. It's important to avoid overusing it in simple situations where easier phrases would suffice. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use this phrase when you want to show effort and difficulty that goes beyond simple inability to find something. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "struggle to find" remains a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have difficulty locating

Emphasizes the difficulty in the act of locating, rather than the effort involved.

find it hard to locate

Highlights the degree of difficulty experienced when trying to locate something.

experience trouble finding

Focuses on the trouble or problems encountered during the search.

have a tough time discovering

Indicates a challenging experience in discovering something, often implying an element of surprise or revelation.

labor to uncover

Implies a strenuous effort in revealing or making something known.

wrestle with locating

Suggests a more intense and prolonged effort to find something.

find it challenging to unearth

Highlights the challenge of discovering something that is hidden or not easily found.

grapple with the task of finding

Emphasizes the engagement in a difficult and complex task of searching.

be hard-pressed to discover

Suggests that it would be very difficult to find or discover something, implying a lack of expectation.

encounter obstacles in locating

Focuses on the presence of barriers or hindrances in the process of finding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "struggle to find" to describe difficulty in locating something. For instance, "Many students "struggle to find" affordable housing near campus."

What are some alternatives to "struggle to find"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have difficulty locating", "find it hard to locate", or "experience trouble finding", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "struggle to find" or "struggling to find"?

Both "struggle to find" and "struggling to find" are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Struggle to find" is more general, while "struggling to find" implies a continuous or ongoing effort.

What is the difference between "struggle to find" and "trying to find"?

"Trying to find" simply indicates an attempt to locate something. "Struggle to find" implies difficulty and effort beyond a simple attempt.