struggle to make a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle to make a difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts or challenges faced in trying to create a positive impact or change in a situation or community. Example: "Many activists struggle to make a difference in their communities, despite facing numerous obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Amnesty has underscored this by printing bookmarks reading: "Poems That Make Grown Women Cry is emblematic not just of the human struggle to make a difference, but of ongoing efforts for gender equality.

The Guardian - Books

'LUMUMBA' -- From the director Raoul Peck, a thorough and tough-minded bio-pic on the first prime minister of the Congo and his uphill struggle to make a difference while dealing with attempts to undermine his efforts on all sides; the picture ends with the rise of a new tyranny that will be as horrifying as Belgian rule.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As transnational terrorist groups have emerged as a pressing global problem, the United Nations has struggled to make a difference.

The New York Times

Ms. Angelei said that struggling to make a difference is not easy but that not trying means becoming part of the problem.

The New York Times

"Refuge and Women's Aid are struggling to make a difference but we can't do it on our own, we need proper government funding and commitment to get sex and healthy relationships education into every school in the UK," she said.

The Guardian

It's also a modest positive for fathers -- paying "child support" that doesn't go to your children is demoralizing for low-income men struggling to make a difference in their kids' lives.

Huffington Post

And like me, they are women struggling to make a difference in their communities, as entrepreneurs, political candidates, and heads of non-profits, and as women who face significant obstacles towards full equality.

Huffington Post

But even weaker moments -- like the melodramatic story of aid groups struggling to make a difference called "On the Side of the Angels" by Richard Bean or the stiff, unconvincing "Now Is the Time" by Joy Wilkinson about the flight of the King of Afghanistan in 1929 -- add to our insights of the country as a whole.

Huffington Post

Cardinals: Rashede Hageman (DT, Minnesota) 2013 Stats: 13 games played, 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 8 pass deflections The Cardinals have dynamic players on the edges and in their secondary, but have struggled to make a difference up the middle.

Huffington Post

"Whereas a 'sound' was really within the midst of this intense engagement with everything: with all the noise that you've ever heard, you struggle somehow to make a difference, so to speak, within that noise.

The New Yorker

While the countless people he meets try and struggle to succeed, to make a difference, they all fail or fall by the wayside while this accidental success story plows by them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity within your text. Variety in phrasing will keep your writing engaging and prevent it from sounding repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "struggle to make a difference" when the effort has clearly resulted in a significant positive outcome. This creates a disconnect between the effort and its result. Instead, use phrases that highlight success, such as "succeeded in making a change" or "effectively influenced the outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle to make a difference" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verb complement or an adverbial modifier. It describes the action of attempting to create a positive impact despite facing obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struggle to make a difference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the effort to create a positive impact, often in the face of challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in more informal settings like wikis. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific area where the effort is being applied and avoid overuse to maintain engagement. Consider alternatives like "strive to effect change" or "endeavor to have an impact" for variety. Understanding the nuances and avoiding common errors will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to effect change

Focuses on effort and achieving a concrete result.

endeavor to have an impact

Emphasizes the attempt to create a noticeable effect.

work towards positive change

Highlights the direction and intention of the effort.

labor to influence outcomes

Stresses the hard work involved in shaping results.

exert oneself for betterment

Focuses on personal effort to improve a situation.

make an effort to contribute

Underlines the action of trying to add value.

try to improve conditions

Highlights the attempt to make things better.

seek to alter circumstances

Focuses on changing the existing situation.

aim to generate progress

Emphasizes the intention to produce forward movement.

push for a significant change

Highlights active promotion of meaningful transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "struggle to make a difference" in a sentence?

Use "struggle to make a difference" to describe situations where someone is facing challenges while trying to have a positive impact. For example, "Many non-profits "struggle to make a difference" due to limited funding".

What are some alternatives to "struggle to make a difference"?

You can use phrases like "strive to effect change", "endeavor to have an impact", or "work towards positive change" as alternatives to ""struggle to make a difference"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "struggling in making a difference"?

While grammatically understandable, "struggling in making a difference" is less common and less idiomatic than ""struggle to make a difference"". The infinitive form is generally preferred in this context.

What is the difference between "struggle to make a difference" and "aim to make a difference"?

"Struggle to make a difference" implies that there are significant obstacles and challenges involved, whereas "aim to make a difference" simply indicates a goal or intention, without necessarily implying difficulty.