what a struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

"what a struggle" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is usually used to express the difficult nature of a situation or task. For example, "It was such a struggle for me to get the job done in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Yes, what a struggle.

The Guardian - Music

But boy, what a struggle.

The Guardian

What a struggle: to dress, to eat, to arrive on time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But you see what a struggle it is for them and it gives you perspective.

The New York Times

What a struggle to write in any other language than English.

The Guardian - Books

Many pianists make a point of showing what a struggle it takes to perform this work.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

And sometimes a single determined mogul is just what a struggling city needs.

The New York Times - Arts

Interviewed in 1984 by the architectural historian Lynne Walker she remembered what a tremendous struggle the Stratford job had been.

The Guardian - Arts

It illustrates what an uphill struggle it is for Gallagher and his team.

The Guardian

What of a struggling temperament?

The Guardian - Sport

The Galaxy have turned what was a struggling offense into a powerhouse capable of tallying many goals.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language to avoid overuse. While "what a struggle" is effective, consider using synonyms like "what a challenge" or "what a hardship" to add nuance and prevent repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "what a struggle" in overly formal or professional settings where a more neutral or solution-oriented response is expected. In such cases, consider more direct phrases like "that sounds very challenging" or "how can we help resolve this issue?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a struggle" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression. It conveys a strong feeling of empathy, sympathy, or recognition of the difficulty involved in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid way to express the difficult nature of a task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a struggle" is a commonly used exclamatory phrase that effectively conveys empathy and recognition of difficulty. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is a grammatically sound way to express the challenging nature of a situation. Its neutral register and frequent appearance in News & Media outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times make it a versatile choice for various contexts. While effective, consider alternatives like "what a challenge" or "what a hardship" to prevent overuse and tailor the sentiment to the specific situation. Remember to avoid using it in overly formal settings where a more direct response may be expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a difficulty

A more direct and less emphatic way of expressing that something is not easy. "What a struggle" conveys a greater sense of effort and resistance.

what a challenge

This alternative implies a difficult task that requires effort and skill to overcome. It focuses more on the positive aspect of overcoming difficulties, while "what a struggle" emphasizes the difficulty itself.

what a fight

Similar to "what a battle", this alternative emphasizes the active effort and determination required to overcome a difficult situation. It is less formal than "what a struggle".

what a hardship

This alternative suggests a condition that causes suffering or difficulty. It is a stronger term than "what a struggle" and implies more severe consequences.

what a challenge it is

This alternative uses a more declarative structure, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the difficulty rather than a one-time exclamation.

what a battle

This alternative uses a metaphor of combat to describe a difficult situation. It implies a strong opposition or resistance that needs to be overcome.

what a trial

This alternative refers to a difficult or painful experience that tests one's endurance or faith. It suggests a more prolonged and emotionally taxing situation than "what a struggle".

what an ordeal

This alternative describes an extremely unpleasant or prolonged experience. It is more intense than "what a struggle" and implies a significant physical or emotional toll.

what a predicament

This suggests a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation. It focuses on being trapped or in a bind more than the effort involved in "what a struggle".

what a bind

Similar to "what a predicament", this emphasizes the feeling of being trapped or restricted in a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what a struggle" in a sentence?

"What a struggle" is typically used as an exclamation to express sympathy or understanding regarding a difficult situation. For example, "I can't believe I had to work all weekend; what a struggle!"

What can I say instead of "what a struggle"?

You can use alternatives like "what a challenge", "what a hardship", or "what a fight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "what a struggle it is"?

Yes, "what a struggle it is" is grammatically correct. It is a more descriptive and less exclamatory way of expressing the same sentiment as "what a struggle".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "what a struggle"?

Avoid using "what a struggle" in formal or professional settings where a more direct and solution-oriented response is expected. In these contexts, phrases like "that sounds challenging" or "how can we help?" may be more suitable.