wrestling with

USAGE SUMMARY

"wrestling with" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It usually refers to a figurative struggle with an idea or a difficult problem. For example: "I had been wrestling with the question for weeks before I finally came to an answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wrestling with social problems.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm wrestling with it.

The New York Times

Sure, they're wrestling with modernity.

The New Yorker

Jacob wrestling with the angel.

The New York Times - Books

He ignored me while wrestling with Sasha.

The New York Times

Companies, too, are wrestling with personal brands.

The New York Times

"It's something she is wrestling with".

The New York Times

Ragtag high schoolers wrestling with adolescent angst.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm still wrestling with that".

The New York Times

That's what we're wrestling with".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Arm-wrestling with Chas and Dave?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wrestling with" to convey a sense of internal struggle or deliberation when facing a complex issue or decision. For example, "The board is wrestling with the ethical implications of the new policy."

Common error

While "wrestling with" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it in situations that don't involve a genuine struggle. For instance, saying "I'm wrestling with what to have for lunch" might sound overdramatic; consider a simpler verb like "deciding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrestling with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with a gerund or noun. It indicates an ongoing and difficult engagement with a problem, concept, or decision. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wrestling with" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a struggle or difficult engagement with a problem, idea, or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Wiki contexts, reflecting its usefulness in describing ongoing issues and debates. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in simple situations. Alternatives like "grappling with" or "struggling with" can offer nuanced variations. Understanding its appropriate use and potential alternatives enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grappling with

This alternative emphasizes the act of seizing and struggling, similar to a physical grapple.

struggling with

This alternative directly conveys the difficulty and effort involved in dealing with something.

contending with

This phrase suggests active opposition and effort to overcome a challenge.

dealing with

This alternative implies managing or handling a situation, often one that presents difficulties.

facing

This phrase suggests confronting a problem or challenge directly.

tackling

Implies addressing a problem head-on with the intent to solve it.

addressing

This alternative conveys the act of giving attention to and attempting to resolve a problem.

managing

This alternative emphasizes the act of controlling or handling a situation, often one that is complex or difficult.

handling

This suggests taking care of or dealing with a problem or issue.

confronting

This implies directly facing a challenge or difficulty.

FAQs

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

"Wrestling with" is used to describe a difficult or prolonged struggle with a problem, decision, or idea. For example, "The government is wrestling with the issue of climate change" or "She's been wrestling with her career choices for months."

What are some alternatives to "wrestling with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "grappling with", "struggling with", "contending with", or "dealing with" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "wrestling with" in formal writing?

Yes, "wrestling with" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a significant or complex issue. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your piece. In very formal contexts, "addressing" or "contending with" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "wrestling with" and "battling with"?

While both phrases convey a struggle, "wrestling with" often implies a more internal or intellectual struggle, whereas "battling with" suggests a more direct and forceful confrontation. "Wrestling with" is suitable when dealing with ideas or decisions, while "battling with" is better for conflicts or opposition.