we are grappling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are grappling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a struggle or difficulty in dealing with a particular issue or challenge. Example: "In our latest meeting, we are grappling with the complexities of the new policy changes and their implications for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

That is why we are grappling with enormous immigration problems.

The New York Times

"We are grappling with those issues," Mr. Boutrous said.

The New York Times

"The age issue is a difficult, blurred area, and we are grappling with it," she said.

The New York Times - Style

Instead, we are grappling with the nature of the malice, and what to do about it.

The Times

And right now we are grappling with a lot of health challenges that are connected to our affluence.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM LBRARYGRRL: As a librarian in a public library, we are grappling with how to move online music services into our customers' hands.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

And we're grappling with the expense".

The New Yorker

"We're grappling with that".

The Guardian

"You're grappling with a lot of the same things we're grappling with, which is the impact of e-books.

The New York Times

"We don't know how long it will continue -- we're grappling with that".

The New York Times

"We were grappling with a scene in act five where Hook and Wendy have a confrontation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are grappling", clearly specify the issue or subject you are struggling with to avoid ambiguity and provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "we are grappling" for simple or easily resolvable issues. Reserve it for complex, multifaceted problems where significant effort and analysis are required. Using it otherwise can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are grappling" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a group is currently engaged in a struggle to understand or resolve a complex issue. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from immigration problems to racial divides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are grappling" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that a group is currently engaged in a difficult struggle to understand or resolve a complex issue. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for formal communication. While alternatives like "we are contending with" or "we are struggling with" exist, "we are grappling" emphasizes the intellectual effort involved in understanding the problem. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that truly warrant the sense of complexity and challenge it conveys. Ludwig examples illustrate the phrase's versatility in discussing issues ranging from societal challenges to scientific inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are contending with

Focuses more on active opposition or rivalry in dealing with a challenge.

we are wrestling with

Emphasizes a more intense and prolonged struggle with the issue.

we are struggling with

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in addressing the situation.

we are facing

Presents a more direct and immediate confrontation with the problem.

we are addressing

Indicates an active attempt to find a solution or resolve the matter.

we are tackling

Suggests a determined and proactive approach to handling the issue.

we are dealing with

Offers a more general sense of handling or managing a situation.

we are working through

Emphasizes the process of resolving an issue over time.

we are exploring

Highlights the investigative aspect of understanding a complex problem.

we are examining

Focuses on careful and detailed analysis of the issue at hand.

FAQs

How can I use "we are grappling" in a sentence?

Use "we are grappling" to describe a situation where you or a group is struggling to understand or solve a complex problem. For example, "We are grappling with the ethical implications of AI".

What's the difference between "we are grappling" and "we are struggling"?

"We are grappling" implies a more intellectual struggle to understand or come to terms with something, while "we are struggling" focuses more on the difficulty of achieving a specific goal. Consider alternatives like "we are contending with" or "we are wrestling with" depending on the context.

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

You can use alternatives like "we are contending with", "we are wrestling with", or "we are addressing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we are grappling" in formal writing?

Yes, "we are grappling" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, business, or news contexts where complex issues are being discussed. It conveys a serious and thoughtful approach to problem-solving.