struggling to articulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggling to articulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a difficulty in expressing thoughts or feelings clearly. Example: "During the meeting, she was struggling to articulate her ideas about the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I was struggling to articulate a sense that playing a game could be similar to consuming a painting, the symphony or the ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

And so, to fast forward, at 88, in the early stages of dementia, my father was still struggling to articulate his Theory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As heartbreaking as this dialogue is, it's necessary for many teenagers growing up today and struggling to articulate how they feel about their own bodies.

The Guardian

"Why can't I find the words?" asks Bobby, struggling to articulate his hatred for his father and his love for his wife.

The Guardian - Books

Unlike our 2002 meeting, when he was struggling to articulate his thoughts on 9/11, Young is now only too eager to address current events.

The Guardian - Music

Terry Mason - one of the band's mates back in the day - is memorably filmed struggling to articulate how it felt to suddenly watch his mates from the pub turn into something else before his very eyes.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Claire struggles to articulate this side of her life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For me the album's contribution to the vexing question of human existence lies in the way in Bowie struggles to articulate the human struggle to articulate.

The New Yorker

She wandered verbally sometimes, struggled to articulate what she was thinking.

The New Yorker

The Labour MP Jess Phillips said the party had struggled to articulate its stance on Brexit.

The Guardian

After he struggled to articulate what he wanted, Mr. Guillot told him: "I know what you want.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struggling to articulate" when you want to convey a genuine difficulty someone faces in expressing a complex or nuanced idea. It's stronger than simply saying someone 'can't explain' something.

Common error

Avoid using "struggling to articulate" in situations where simpler phrasing would suffice. For example, instead of saying 'He was struggling to articulate his lunch order', use 'He had trouble ordering lunch'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggling to articulate" functions as a verb phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating an ongoing effort or difficulty in expressing something clearly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struggling to articulate" is a commonly used phrase that aptly describes the difficulty someone experiences when trying to express themselves clearly. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. While it's suitable for many situations, it's important to avoid overusing it in simple contexts where more straightforward language would suffice. Consider alternatives like "finding it hard to express" or "having difficulty putting into words" to fine-tune your message. Its frequency and authoritative sources make it a reliable choice for expressing this specific challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding it hard to express

Focuses on the difficulty in conveying thoughts or feelings.

having difficulty putting into words

Highlights the challenge of translating thoughts into verbal form.

grappling with expressing

Emphasizes the effort and challenge involved in expressing oneself.

at a loss for words

Indicates a temporary inability to find the right words.

unable to verbalize

Focuses on the lack of ability to express something verbally.

having problems conveying

Highlights issues with communicating a message effectively.

inarticulately expressing

Describes expressing oneself without clarity or fluency.

stumbling over words

Focuses on the physical act of difficulty in speaking fluently.

hesitating to define

Implies reluctance or uncertainty in providing a clear definition.

straining to verbalize

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty in expressing thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "struggling to articulate" in a sentence?

You can use "struggling to articulate" to describe someone who finds it difficult to express their thoughts or feelings clearly, such as, "The witness was "struggling to articulate" the events of that night."

What are some alternatives to "struggling to articulate"?

Alternatives include "finding it hard to express", "having difficulty putting into words", or "at a loss for words", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "struggling to articulate" or "struggling to explain"?

"Struggling to articulate" implies a deeper difficulty in finding the right words, while "struggling to explain" suggests a difficulty in making something understandable. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "struggling to articulate" and "hesitating to speak"?

"Struggling to articulate" focuses on the difficulty in forming coherent and expressive sentences. In contrast, "hesitating to speak" describes being reluctant to speak, perhaps due to fear or uncertainty, which is not necessarily about difficulty in wording.