struggling to solve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggling to solve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a difficulty or challenge someone is facing in finding a solution to a problem. Example: "She was struggling to solve the complex math problem that had stumped her for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

P4 Senior executive admits BBC is still struggling to solve 'mumbling' problem.

The Guardian

Dell's problem is one it has been struggling to solve for almost a year.

The New York Times - Tech

Intelligent people are struggling to solve real problems through open debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The economics profession, the authors concluded, had a puzzle on its hands.Economists have been struggling to solve it ever since.

The Economist

But as officials sought to apply those powers to a very different kind of conflict, they became mired in problems they are still struggling to solve.

The New York Times

The problems in Ohio raise questions about whether officials there were struggling to solve a crisis, and whether proper measures were taken to prevent its spread.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The government has struggled to solve the quandary.

The New York Times

The early computer programmers struggled to solve this puzzle.

The New Yorker

Where's the next place to look?" That is the question Beane struggles to solve.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there were a few complex mathematical problems that he had struggled to solve.

The Guardian

But it is much more likely that they will not.There are other mysteries that the LHC will struggle to solve.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struggling to solve" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and ongoing effort involved in finding a solution to a problem. It suggests that the process is not easy and requires persistent effort.

Common error

Avoid using "struggling to solve" when the problem is easily resolved. The phrase implies a significant degree of difficulty and prolonged effort. If the solution comes quickly, a phrase like "solving" or "addressing" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggling to solve" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe an ongoing effort or difficulty in finding a solution. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggling to solve" effectively conveys the difficulty and ongoing effort involved in finding a solution to a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific discussions to general writing. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various levels of formality. While alternatives like "having difficulty solving" or "grappling with a solution" exist, "struggling to solve" offers a balance of clarity and emphasis on the challenging nature of the process. When employing this phrase, ensure that the level of difficulty aligns with the situation to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having difficulty solving

Replaces the gerund "struggling" with the noun "difficulty", maintaining a similar meaning.

finding it hard to solve

Uses a more informal tone while conveying the same sense of difficulty.

grappling with a solution

Emphasizes the act of wrestling or contending with the problem.

encountering challenges in solving

Highlights the challenges faced during the solving process.

facing obstacles to solve

Focuses on the barriers hindering the solving process.

experiencing trouble solving

Indicates that there is trouble when solving.

laboring to find a solution

Emphasizes the effort and hard work involved in finding a solution.

striving to solve

Highlights the continuous effort being made to solve the problem.

contending with finding a solution

Suggests a degree of active dispute or argument to find a solution.

wrestling with a solution

Implies a more intense and difficult struggle to find a solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "struggling to solve" to describe someone or something facing difficulties in finding a solution, like "The company is struggling to solve its financial problems" or "Scientists are struggling to solve the mystery of dark matter".

What are some alternatives to "struggling to solve"?

Alternatives include "having difficulty solving", "finding it hard to solve", or "grappling with a solution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "struggling to solve" or "struggling with solving"?

"Struggling to solve" is generally preferred because it's more concise and direct. "Struggling with solving" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "struggling to solve" and "trying to solve"?

"Struggling to solve" implies a higher degree of difficulty and less success compared to "trying to solve". While both indicate an attempt to find a solution, "struggling" emphasizes the challenge and the effort involved, while "trying" is more neutral.