to grapple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to grapple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of struggling or wrestling with a problem, concept, or challenge. Example: "In her research, she had to grapple with complex theories that challenged her understanding of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We began to grapple.

The New Yorker

He added, "It's a quite scary thing to grapple with".

The New Yorker

"Politicians are going to have to grapple with that.

Independent

We continue to grapple with these questions over and over.

The New York Times

"MDNA" doesn't deign to grapple much with the competition.

The New York Times - Arts

"To grapple with and understand anxiety," he says, "is, in some sense, to grapple with and understand the human condition".

The New Yorker

Some composers were content to grapple with more conventional implements.

The New York Times - Arts

These are all the unknowns we have to grapple with".

The New York Times

People employ many concepts to grapple with such questions.

The Guardian

Others continued to grapple with the loss of their colleagues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His children were left to grapple with their demons.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to grapple" when you want to convey a sense of struggle, intense effort, or direct confrontation with a challenge or complex issue. For example: "Scientists continue "to grapple" with the complexities of climate change".

Common error

Avoid using "to grapple" when simpler verbs like "to deal with" or "to handle" would suffice. Using "to grapple" in trivial situations can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to grapple" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used with the preposition "with". It indicates an active and often difficult engagement with a problem, concept, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to grapple" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the act of struggling or intensely engaging with a complex problem or concept. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, its register leans towards neutral to formal. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where the intensity of the struggle warrants its use, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. Consider alternatives like "to contend with" or "to deal with" for less intense situations. Remember to employ this phrase when you aim to convey the difficulty and effort involved in understanding or overcoming a challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to grapple with understanding

Adds emphasis on the effort required to comprehend something complex.

to wrestle with

Highlights a more intense and prolonged struggle with a problem or decision.

to contend with

Emphasizes active engagement in a struggle or competition.

to come to grips with

Highlights the process of gradually understanding and accepting a difficult reality.

to confront

Implies a direct and often challenging encounter with a problem or adversary.

to tackle

Suggests a determined and practical approach to solving a problem.

to get to grips with

Suggests taking decisive action and comprehending or resolving something

to deal with

Focuses on managing or addressing a specific issue or situation.

to face

Indicates accepting and addressing a difficult situation or challenge.

to engage with

Focuses on interacting with and trying to understand a topic or issue.

FAQs

How can I use "to grapple" in a sentence?

Use "to grapple" when you want to express a serious struggle with a complex problem. For example, "The government is trying "to grapple" with the rising unemployment rate."

What can I say instead of "to grapple"?

Alternatives include "to contend with", "to deal with", or "to wrestle with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "to grapple" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to grapple" is generally better suited for more formal or serious contexts. In informal writing, simpler alternatives like "to handle" or "to deal with" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to grapple" and "to face"?

"To face" implies confronting a situation, while "to grapple" suggests a more prolonged and difficult struggle. You might "face" a challenge initially, but then need "to grapple" with its complexities.