struggle with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an action of difficulty performing some task, usually due to mental or physical conflict. For example, "Many students struggle with math courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I struggle with it.

Independent

"I struggle with sex.

The Guardian

I struggle with instructions.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We struggle with it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Businesses struggle with security costs.

The Economist

Many struggle with all three.

The New York Times

"I struggle with these things".

The New Yorker

But we struggle with this.

The New York Times

Many designers in Morocco struggle with knockoffs.

The New York Times

A lot of people struggle with that.

The New York Times

"Black men struggle with masculinity so much.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggle with", be specific about the nature of the difficulty. For example, instead of saying "I struggle with it", specify "I struggle with time management".

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of "struggle with". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "encounter difficulties" or "face challenges" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle with" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating difficulty or effort in dealing with a particular task, concept, or situation. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggle with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express difficulty or challenge in dealing with something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition. While versatile, it's more suited for neutral contexts, with formal writing sometimes benefiting from alternatives like "encounter difficulties" or "face challenges". The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig, highlighting its relevance in describing various societal and personal challenges. Be specific about the nature of the difficulty to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have difficulty with

Emphasizes the presence of difficulty rather than the act of struggling.

find it hard to

Focuses on the perceived difficulty in performing an action.

have a hard time with

Similar to "have difficulty with" but slightly more informal.

grapple with

Suggests a more intense and prolonged effort to overcome something.

contend with

Implies dealing with something challenging or problematic.

wrestle with

Similar to "grapple with", suggesting a difficult and ongoing effort.

face challenges with

Highlights the presence of challenges in a specific area.

encounter problems with

Focuses on the occurrence of problems or difficulties.

labor under

Suggests being burdened by something difficult or unpleasant.

be challenged by

Emphasizes the challenging nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "struggle with" to describe a difficulty you experience when trying to do something. For example, "Many students "struggle with" math courses".

What are some alternatives to "struggle with"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "have difficulty with", "find it hard to", or "grapple with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "struggle with" is grammatically correct, it can sound less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using alternatives like "encounter difficulties" or "face challenges".

What does it mean to "struggle with" something?

To "struggle with" something means to find it difficult to do or deal with. It implies an ongoing effort to overcome a challenge or problem.