struggling to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggling to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is having difficulty acquiring knowledge or skills in a particular area. Example: "Despite his efforts, he is still struggling to learn the new programming language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have been struggling to learn Spanish.

The New York Times

They are struggling to learn a new offense.

The New York Times - Sports

University students, they say, are struggling to learn in a language they barely understand.

The New York Times

He has gotten good reviews from fellow jockeys but is struggling to learn English.

The New York Times - Sports

It was Mr. Seiffert's first Tristan, and he was struggling to learn the role.

The New York Times - Arts

She spent those first weeks struggling to learn her way around the city.

The New York Times

"She's already paid the intellectual dues of struggling to learn the system," he said.

The New York Times

But while struggling to learn in a time and place of disorder, I also had fun.

The Guardian

Smaisem is struggling to learn English, which has made finding a job hard.

The Washington Post

It seems horribly cruel to grade a child's efforts when they're struggling to learn to read.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was struggling to learn English, and he hadn't made friends or found work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggling to learn", clarify what specific skill or knowledge the subject is finding difficult. This provides context and makes the sentence more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "struggling to learn" too broadly. Instead of saying someone is "struggling to learn life lessons", specify the particular area of difficulty, such as "struggling to learn financial responsibility" or "struggling to learn how to manage relationships".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggling to learn" functions as a verbal phrase indicating difficulty or effort in the process of acquiring knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggling to learn" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe difficulties in acquiring new knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and used. It appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's beneficial to specify the area of difficulty for clarity. Alternatives like "finding it hard to learn" or "having difficulty learning" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When writing, ensure the struggle's scope is well-defined to avoid vagueness. Using this framework, writers can confidently and effectively use "struggling to learn".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding it hard to learn

Emphasizes the difficulty encountered in the learning process.

having difficulty learning

Highlights the presence of obstacles or challenges in acquiring knowledge.

experiencing challenges in learning

Focuses on the problems and obstacles encountered during learning.

grappling with learning

Suggests a more intense effort to overcome difficulties in learning.

laboring to learn

Implies a strenuous and laborious effort in the learning process.

encountering obstacles in learning

Highlights the specific barriers that impede the learning process.

battling to learn

Indicates a persistent and determined effort against difficulties in learning.

contending with learning

Suggests actively dealing with the challenges that learning presents.

facing hurdles in learning

Focuses on overcoming specific obstacles that hinder learning.

wrestling with learning

Implies a more personal and internal struggle to understand and learn something.

FAQs

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

You can use "struggling to learn" to describe someone who is having difficulty acquiring a new skill or understanding a new concept. For example, "He is "struggling to learn French"" or "The students are "struggling to learn algebra"".

What are some alternatives to "struggling to learn"?

Alternatives include "finding it hard to learn", "having difficulty learning", or "experiencing challenges in learning". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "struggling to learn" or "struggling with learning"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Struggling to learn" is slightly more common, but "struggling with learning" is also perfectly acceptable and may sound more natural in some contexts.

What causes someone to be "struggling to learn"?

There can be various reasons, including learning disabilities, lack of motivation, inadequate teaching methods, or difficulty with the subject matter itself. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for providing appropriate support and intervention.