struggles for survival

USAGE SUMMARY

"struggles for survival" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the effort or fight that someone or something puts in to stay alive or achieve success despite difficult circumstances or obstacles. Example: The small, isolated tribe struggles for survival in the harsh conditions of the jungle, constantly facing threats from dangerous animals and limited resources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Viggo Mortensen struggles for survival in post-apocalypse America.

The Guardian - Film

Now, as the banking sector struggles for survival, lending to private companies and households has dropped precipitously.

The New York Times

The Indian fight for a right to information law emerged out of a series of struggles for survival by poor people.

The Guardian

Modern Mankato, once a prairie outpost, is now a city of 37,000, where a modest downtown struggles for survival, competing against outlying strip malls and chain stores.

The New York Times

First, Mr Osborne, backed by the OBR, says it is natural for confidence in Britain to be lacking while the euro zone struggles for survival.

The Economist

In Derry, the city where the Northern Ireland Troubles began, an existential battle is under way as the party born out of the civil rights movement struggles for survival.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A free market is a struggle for survival where successful firms survive and unsuccessful ones die out.

Journal of Organization Design

Israel survives, paradoxically, by believing that the struggle for survival will never end.

The Guardian

From 1945 to 1952 Austria had to struggle for survival.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now the center is struggling for survival.

The New York Times

In Dhaka, we struggle for survival".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struggles for survival" to convey ongoing and intense efforts to overcome life-threatening or existence-threatening challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "struggles for survival" in contexts where the challenges are minor or easily overcome. Opt for more nuanced language to describe everyday difficulties, rather than reserving the phrase for significant, life-altering situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggles for survival" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the notion of facing significant challenges in order to maintain existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggles for survival" effectively conveys the arduous efforts required to overcome life-threatening or existence-threatening challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it is important to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a description. Alternatives such as "battles for existence" or "fight for life" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the desired emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can employ "struggles for survival" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battles for existence

This alternative replaces "survival" with "existence", emphasizing the act of simply continuing to live.

fight for life

This option is more direct and focuses on the immediate threat to life.

survival attempts

This phrase shifts the focus from the struggle itself to the actions taken to survive.

hardships endured for existence

This alternative emphasizes the difficulties faced while trying to exist.

ordeals faced to stay alive

This option focuses on the challenging experiences one must overcome in order to remain alive.

quest for continued existence

The alternative frames survival as a purposeful pursuit of continuous living.

fight to make ends meet

This phrase refers to the struggle to earn enough money to survive.

battle against extinction

This term is often used in the context of endangered species and the effort to prevent them from disappearing.

daily grind for existence

This alternative emphasizes the repetitive and often exhausting nature of the struggle.

existential fight

This version captures a more philosophical take, referring to the fundamental struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.

FAQs

How can I use "struggles for survival" in a sentence?

You can use "struggles for survival" to describe situations where individuals, groups, or species face significant challenges to their existence. For example: "The refugees faced immense "struggles for survival" in the overcrowded camps."

What are some alternatives to "struggles for survival"?

Alternatives include "battles for existence", "fight for life", or "survival attempts", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "struggles for survival" a formal or informal phrase?

"Struggles for survival" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news reports, documentaries, and academic discussions than in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "struggle for survival" and "struggles for survival"?

"Struggle for survival" typically refers to a general concept or a singular, overarching conflict, while "struggles for survival" refers to multiple instances or aspects of that conflict. The plural form emphasizes the numerous challenges and hardships involved.