we are grappling with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are grappling with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a challenging issue or problem that requires significant thought or effort to understand or resolve. Example: "In our latest meeting, we acknowledged that we are grappling with the complexities of the new regulations and their impact on our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That is why we are grappling with enormous immigration problems.

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

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

She said: "We are grappling with a racial divide and class divide the likes of which we have not seen for decades.

The Guardian

"We are grappling with the issues of over-incarceration in New York and around [the US]." Courts, he said, could serve as an agent for change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

And we're grappling with the expense".

The New Yorker

"We're grappling with that".

The Guardian

"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

"These are such long time-scale problems that we're grappling with.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are grappling with" to describe situations where your group or organization is actively trying to understand or resolve a complex issue, especially when the solution isn't immediately clear.

Common error

Avoid using "we are grappling with" for simple problems or tasks. It's best suited for complex issues that require considerable thought and effort. For routine tasks, simpler alternatives like "we are handling" or "we are addressing" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are grappling with" functions as a present continuous tense verb phrase. Ludwig AI Examples show it's commonly used to describe ongoing efforts to understand or solve complex issues. The Ludwig AI determined that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Huffington Post

8%

The Guardian

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are grappling with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe an ongoing effort to understand or resolve a complex issue. Ludwig AI shows that it appears most often in news and media contexts and is considered neutral to professional in tone. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where genuine effort and complex problem-solving are involved. Consider alternatives like "we are struggling with" or "we are contending with" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are struggling with

Suggests a more intense effort and difficulty compared to "we are grappling with".

we are contending with

Implies active opposition or dispute, adding a layer of conflict not always present in "we are grappling with".

we are wrestling with

Conveys a sense of struggle and close engagement with a problem, similar to grappling but perhaps more physical or direct.

we are tackling

Emphasizes a proactive approach to addressing a challenge, suggesting a determination to overcome it.

we are confronting

Implies facing something directly, often with a sense of challenge or opposition.

we are facing

A more general term indicating confrontation with a situation, lacking the implication of active engagement in finding a solution.

we are working through

Suggests a process of gradually resolving a problem, emphasizing the journey rather than the immediate struggle.

we are addressing

Focuses on the act of dealing with something, often in a formal or official capacity.

we are dealing with

A broader term for handling a situation, which may not necessarily involve a struggle.

we are navigating

Conveys a sense of carefully maneuvering through a complex situation, implying a need for skill and strategy.

FAQs

What does "we are grappling with" mean?

The phrase "we are grappling with" means that a group or organization is struggling to understand, analyze, or resolve a complex issue or problem. It implies a serious and thoughtful effort to deal with something challenging.

How do I use "we are grappling with" in a sentence?

You can use "we are grappling with" to describe situations where you or your team are actively trying to understand or solve a complex problem. For example, "We are grappling with the implications of the new policy" or "The company is grappling with declining sales figures."

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

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

When is it appropriate to use "we are grappling with" versus "we are dealing with"?

"We are grappling with" is best used when the issue is complex and requires significant thought and effort to understand or resolve. "We are dealing with" is more appropriate for general situations where you are handling a task or issue, regardless of its complexity.