struggles with

USAGE SUMMARY

"struggles with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's difficulty or challenges in dealing with something. Example: She struggles with math, but excels in other subjects.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Data struggles with context.

The New York Times

He really struggles with evil".

The New Yorker

She still struggles with that.

The New York Times - Sports

It struggles with internal tensions.

The Economist

Everyone struggles with change.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Stella struggles with life.

The Guardian - Books

Each country struggles with its particular problems.

The Economist

Still, he struggles with his own weight.

The New York Times - Health

At times, Robertson struggles with cliché.

The New Yorker

Another grandparent now struggles with the disease.

The New York Times

Nate struggles with loyalty to his dad.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggles with", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what is facing difficulty, and the object specifies the area of challenge. This provides clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "struggles with" in contexts where the difficulty is minor or easily overcome. This phrase implies a significant or ongoing challenge, so reserve it for situations where the effort is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggles with" functions as a verb phrase indicating difficulty or a challenge in dealing with something. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to express that someone or something is experiencing problems or difficulties in a specific area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struggles with" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that someone or something is experiencing difficulty or challenges. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific articles, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject and the area of difficulty. While common, avoid overusing it for minor issues; reserve it for significant challenges to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "has difficulty with" or "faces challenges in" for variety. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, offering confidence in its proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has difficulty with

Replaces "struggles" with a more straightforward term for difficulty. This alternative is slightly less emphatic.

has a hard time with

Similar to "finds it hard to", but slightly more colloquial.

finds it hard to

Uses a more descriptive phrasing to indicate that something is not easy.

is challenged by

Highlights the challenging nature of a task or situation.

faces challenges in

Emphasizes the presence of obstacles or difficulties. Slightly more formal.

experiences difficulty in

A more formal way to express having trouble with something.

grapples with

Suggests a more intense and active struggle. More literary.

deals with difficulties in

Focuses on the act of managing or handling problems.

contends with

Implies dealing with something problematic or challenging. More formal and often used in writing.

wrestles with

Suggests a prolonged and difficult conflict or decision.

FAQs

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

Use "struggles with" to indicate difficulty in performing an action or understanding a concept. For example, "He struggles with mathematics" or "The company struggles with maintaining its market share".

What are some alternatives to saying "struggles with"?

You can use alternatives like "has difficulty with", "finds it hard to", or "faces challenges in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "struggles with" or "struggling with"?

Both "struggles with" and "struggling with" are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Struggles with" describes a general or ongoing difficulty, while "struggling with" often describes a current or immediate difficulty.

What's the difference between "struggles with" and "deals with difficulties in"?

"Struggles with" emphasizes the difficulty itself, whereas "deals with difficulties in" focuses on the act of managing or handling those problems. The latter implies a more active and problem-solving approach.