wrestle with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrestle with" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase usually means to think deeply about a problem or difficult situation. For example, "She had to wrestle with her conscience before deciding what to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wrestle with her".

The New York Times

Sports administrators wrestle with this.

The Economist

I wrestle with it, too.

The New York Times

I wrestle with time.

The Guardian - Books

They wrestle with stereotypes.

The Guardian - Arts

"Look, you wrestle with it," Obama said.

The New Yorker

I have to wrestle with that".

The New Yorker

I like to wrestle with the bears.

The New York Times

They wrestle with the facts.

The Guardian - Opinion

They wrestle with profound questions.

The New York Times

"It's a hard thing to wrestle with".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wrestle with", ensure the subject is capable of thought or physical struggle. For example, "the committee wrestled with the budget" is appropriate, but "the rock wrestled with the wind" is not (unless personified).

Common error

Avoid using "wrestle with" for simple tasks or decisions. This phrase implies a significant intellectual or emotional struggle, not just routine problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrestle with" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig examples show it describing the act of grappling with a problem, decision, or concept, often implying a significant degree of effort and contemplation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wrestle with" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe the act of grappling with a difficult problem or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in academic and everyday conversations. When using this phrase, it is important to convey the idea of effort and contemplation, and avoid using it for more mundane tasks. Alternatives such as ""grapple with"", "contend with", and "struggle with" can be considered to add nuance to your writing. The high frequency and authoritative sources supporting its usage confirm its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grapple with

Similar to "wrestle with", but may imply a more hands-on or direct engagement with a problem.

Contend with

Suggests dealing with a difficulty or struggle, often implying opposition.

Struggle with

Implies a difficult and prolonged effort against something.

Deal with

A more general term for handling or addressing a problem.

Tackle with

Suggests approaching a problem with determination and energy.

Confront with

Implies facing a problem directly and often assertively.

Combat with

Suggests fighting against a problem or challenge.

Address with

A more formal term for dealing with a problem or issue.

Cope with

Suggests managing or enduring a difficult situation.

Manage with

Implies handling a situation, often with skill or resourcefulness.

FAQs

What does it mean to "wrestle with" something?

To "wrestle with" something means to struggle or grapple with a difficult problem, decision, or idea, often involving considerable thought and effort.

How can I use "wrestle with" in a sentence?

You can use "wrestle with" to describe internal or external struggles. For example, "The government continues to "grapple with" the issue of climate change" or "She had to "wrestle with her conscience" before making a decision.

What are some alternatives to saying "wrestle with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "contend with", "struggle with", ""grapple with"", or "deal with".

Is it appropriate to say inanimate objects "wrestle with" something?

While personification can be used in creative writing, it's generally more appropriate to use "wrestle with" when referring to people or entities capable of conscious thought and decision-making. For inanimate objects, consider using more descriptive verbs like "resist" or "endure".