struggling through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggling through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of enduring or persevering through a difficult situation or challenge. Example: "Despite the obstacles, she was struggling through her studies to achieve her degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You are struggling through yet another disaster.

The New York Times

"I'll be struggling through it".

The New Yorker

Struggling through being Mr. Popcorn is not so different from struggling through any of life's hardships.

The New York Times

I was struggling through in an isolated manner.

Independent

Penetrating it was like struggling through a dream.

The New Yorker

Backstage, the dancers were struggling through one final practice.

The New York Times

He was struggling through the turf, but he was relentless.

The New York Times - Sports

It requires shovelling, insulating against, struggling through, surviving, even.

The Guardian

But Bertelsmann is still struggling through the advertising recession.

The New York Times

I was struggling through the third and fourth sets.

The Guardian - Sport

JA 2.49pm: Struggling through that mid-afternoon slump?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggling through", consider adding context to specify what the subject is struggling with. This provides clarity and helps the reader understand the nature of the difficulty. E.g., "struggling through grief", "struggling through a project".

Common error

Avoid using "struggling through" when a simpler verb would suffice. For example, instead of "struggling through understanding the concept", consider "trying to understand the concept" or "learning the concept". This keeps your writing concise and avoids unnecessary complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggling through" functions as a compound verb phrase indicating an ongoing, difficult effort. It describes the act of pushing forward amidst challenges, often implying a lack of ease or proficiency. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting endurance and persistence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "struggling through" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of persevering despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, conveying a sense of difficulty and effort. Related phrases include ""contending with challenges"" and ""grappling with issues"". When using the phrase, it's best to provide specific context about what is being struggled through to enhance clarity. Avoid overusing the phrase in simplistic contexts where a simpler verb would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevering despite obstacles

Focuses on the continued effort and determination in the face of hindrances.

battling against adversity

Indicates a strong and determined fight against unfavorable conditions.

plowing through difficulties

Implies a determined and forceful effort to advance despite obstacles.

contending with challenges

Highlights the act of actively fighting or competing against difficulties.

enduring hardships

Highlights the act of patiently bearing prolonged difficulties or suffering.

weathering a storm

Emphasizes the act of surviving a particularly turbulent or difficult period.

grappling with issues

Emphasizes a close and difficult struggle with specific problems.

navigating difficulties

Focuses on the act of maneuvering around problems, instead of directly facing them.

laboring under difficulties

Highlights the strenuous effort and hard work involved due to challenging circumstances.

making headway against

Suggests progress is being made slowly, but with effort, against something difficult.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "struggling through" something?

When someone is "struggling through" something, it means they are facing difficulties and challenges while trying to overcome or complete a task, situation, or experience. It suggests effort and perseverance despite these difficulties.

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

You can use "struggling through" to describe any situation where someone is facing challenges and making a considerable effort. For example, "She is struggling through her final exams" or "The company is struggling through a financial crisis".

What can I say instead of "struggling through"?

Alternatives to "struggling through" include "contending with challenges", "grappling with issues", or "persevering despite obstacles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "struggling with" and "struggling through"?

"Struggling with" generally refers to facing a challenge or problem, while "struggling through" implies actively working to overcome or endure that challenge. "Struggling through" suggests a process of moving forward despite difficulties.