we struggled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we struggled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a group of people faced difficulties or challenges in achieving something. Example: "During the project, we struggled to meet the tight deadlines, but we eventually found a way to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So we struggled.

The New Yorker

We struggled with proportions.

The New York Times

"We struggled all night".

The New York Times - Sports

We struggled to focus.

Independent

We struggled over the nomenclature.

The New York Times

"We struggled at the start.

Independent

We struggled all year".

The New York Times - Sports

We struggled to communicate.

The New York Times - Sports

We struggled on defense.

The New York Times - Sports

"We struggled for visibility," he recalled.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We struggled through the next year".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we struggled", be specific about the nature of the struggle to provide context and clarity for the reader. For example, instead of just saying "we struggled", specify "we struggled with the complex calculations".

Common error

Avoid using "we struggled" without providing any context. Saying "we struggled" without explaining what you struggled with leaves the reader wondering what the challenge was. Always follow with specifics or examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we struggled" primarily functions as a statement of experience, indicating that the speakers or writers encountered difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It highlights the process of dealing with adversity, as seen in examples describing struggles with proportions, communication, and focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we struggled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the experience of facing difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability, with numerous examples drawn from reputable sources. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media contexts, but also finds use in formal business and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context about the nature of the struggle to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "we had difficulty" or "we faced challenges" can be used to add variety to your writing. Overall, "we struggled" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing the experience of overcoming obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had difficulty

Replaces "struggled" with a more general term for difficulty, suitable when the specific nature of the struggle is less important.

we faced challenges

Emphasizes the act of confronting obstacles rather than the inherent difficulty itself.

we encountered problems

Highlights the unexpected nature of the difficulties experienced.

we had a hard time

Uses a more informal expression to convey difficulty.

we found it difficult

Shifts the focus to the perception of difficulty, rather than the struggle itself.

we labored

Implies strenuous effort and prolonged difficulty.

we toiled

Similar to "labored", suggesting persistent and arduous work.

we grappled

Conveys a sense of wrestling or contending with a problem.

we contended

Implies active opposition or competition against difficulties.

we had setbacks

Focuses on specific instances of difficulty that impede progress.

FAQs

How can I use "we struggled" in a sentence?

You can use "we struggled" to describe facing difficulties. For example, "We struggled to meet the deadline due to unforeseen circumstances" or "We struggled with the new software, but eventually mastered it".

What can I say instead of "we struggled"?

You can use alternatives like "we had difficulty", "we faced challenges", or "we encountered problems" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we struggled" in formal writing?

Yes, "we struggled" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing challenges faced in a professional or academic setting. However, ensure the tone remains professional and the context is clear.

What's the difference between "we struggled" and "we failed"?

"We struggled" implies difficulty and effort, but not necessarily a negative outcome. "We failed" indicates that the effort did not achieve the desired result. You can struggle without failing, and you can fail without struggling. For example, "we struggled to implement the new system, but eventually succeeded", versus "we failed to secure the funding despite our best efforts".