they are grappling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are grappling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is struggling with or trying to deal with a difficult situation or problem. Example: "In the face of rising climate change challenges, they are grappling with the need for sustainable solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they are grappling with its consequences.

The Economist

Now they are grappling with how to adapt.

The New York Times

The jihadists say they are grappling with the sewage system and trying to provide water.

The Economist

They are grappling, some for the first time, with what resistance might look like.

The Guardian

They are grappling with the changes that now need to be embraced.

The Guardian

But they are grappling with the high expectations politicians are placing on them.

The New York Times - Tech

Other police officials say they are grappling for ways to balance accessibility with protection.

The New York Times

They can see a boat in the distance, where they are grappling for the body.

The New Yorker

Even as they celebrate the franchise's first Cy Young Award since Gooden's in 1985, they are grappling with Dickey's future.

The New York Times - Sports

Some family law practitioners say they are grappling with the complexities of online entanglements in real-world divorce.

The New York Times

State governments will shoulder a substantial share of the costs, and they are grappling with budget deficits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "they are grappling" with adverbs like "actively", "seriously", or "earnestly" to emphasize the intensity of the effort.

Common error

While "they are grappling" is widely accepted, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "dealing with" or "handling" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are grappling" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous tense construction. It indicates an ongoing action or process of struggling with a problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are grappling" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying that a group is currently struggling with or trying to overcome a challenging issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. While alternatives such as "they are struggling" or "they are contending" exist, understanding the nuances of each alternative is crucial for effective communication. Using the phrase in overly informal settings should be avoided for maintaining appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are contending

Replaces "grappling" with "contending", emphasizing the act of struggling against something.

they are wrestling

Substitutes "grappling" with "wrestling", highlighting a more intense and physical struggle.

they are struggling

Substitutes "grappling" with "struggling", which conveys difficulty and effort.

they are confronting

Replaces "grappling" with "confronting", focusing on directly facing a problem or challenge.

they are tackling

Substitutes "grappling" with "tackling", implying an attempt to solve a problem head-on.

they are addressing

Replaces "grappling" with "addressing", emphasizing the act of giving attention to a problem.

they are dealing with

Replaces "grappling" with "dealing with", indicating a direct engagement with a specific issue.

they are managing

Substitutes "grappling" with "managing", highlighting the effort to control or handle a difficult situation.

they are navigating

Replaces "grappling" with "navigating", suggesting a careful and strategic approach to a complex situation.

they are working through

Substitutes "grappling" with "working through", suggesting a process of resolving a problem step-by-step.

FAQs

What does "they are grappling" mean?

The phrase "they are grappling" means that a group of people are struggling with or trying to overcome a difficult problem, situation, or challenge.

What can I say instead of "they are grappling"?

You can use alternatives like "they are struggling", "they are contending", or "they are wrestling" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they are grappling with"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "they are grappling with". The preposition "with" is typically used to indicate the specific issue or problem being addressed.

How formal is the phrase "they are grappling"?

The phrase "they are grappling" has a neutral to slightly formal tone. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.