struggling between

USAGE SUMMARY

"struggling between" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a person or thing is having difficulty making a decision or coming to a resolution between two opposing ideas, views, or situations. For example: "The student was struggling between studying for her test and going out with her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He didn't want to portray Martha struggling between motherhood and career.

The Guardian

Teachers were always struggling between "what motivates them and the context they are working in".

The Guardian

She seems to hover on the brink of insanity, struggling between two states of mind.

The Guardian

Being arrested was a relief, he said: "I was struggling between two forces.

The New York Times - Sports

The emphasis on Serbia seems pointed, when Serbia is also visibly struggling between progressive voices and stagnant nationalist rhetoric.

The Guardian - Opinion

The frantic young executive seems like a particularly American joke — a comic persona forever struggling between corporate conformity and pratfalls.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He struggles between "we" and "they".

The Guardian

The struggles between Jacobs and Moses loom large in the popular consciousness.

The Guardian

Peggy struggled between 2011 and 2014 and chose to document her struggles through a blog.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In a new novel by Gloria Chao '08, the protagonist struggles between Taiwanese and American cultural values.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

More generally, consumers will struggle between wanting to make accurate decisions and effortless decisions.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggling between", ensure the options being struggled with are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "struggling between" when there are more than two distinct choices or considerations. Opt for phrases like "struggling with" or "weighing multiple options" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggling between" functions as a verbal phrase that typically describes a state of conflict or difficulty in choosing between two distinct options or forces. This is verified by Ludwig and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggling between" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of conflict or difficulty in choosing between two options. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. As highlighted by Ludwig, it effectively communicates indecision and is suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from personal dilemmas to geopolitical tensions. While alternatives like "torn between" and "wavering between" exist, "struggling between" maintains a neutral tone and emphasizes the active effort involved in resolving the conflict. Its frequency in news and academic sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torn between

Focuses on the feeling of being divided in one's loyalties or desires.

wavering between

Emphasizes the oscillation and instability in making a choice.

caught between

Highlights the feeling of being trapped or pressured by conflicting forces.

oscillating between

Suggests a rhythmic movement back and forth between choices.

undecided between

Directly states the lack of a firm decision between options.

contemplating between

Focuses on the thoughtful consideration of different options.

balancing between

Emphasizes the need to find equilibrium between conflicting demands.

hesitating between

Highlights the pause and uncertainty before making a decision.

vacillating between

Implies an inability to choose decisively, shifting repeatedly.

grappling with

This shifts the focus from two options to a more general conflict with something

FAQs

How can I use "struggling between" in a sentence?

Use "struggling between" to show a conflict or difficulty in choosing between two options, as in, "She was struggling between her career and her family."

What's the difference between "struggling between" and "torn between"?

"Struggling between" implies a more active effort and difficulty, while "torn between" suggests a more emotional or internal conflict.

Which is more appropriate, "struggling between" or "caught between"?

"Struggling between" implies a personal effort in making a decision, whereas "caught between" suggests being trapped by external forces or circumstances.

Are there formal alternatives to "struggling between"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "weighing the options" or "contending with competing priorities" instead of "struggling between".