wrestling with problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrestling with problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of struggling to find solutions or dealing with difficult issues. Example: "The team has been wrestling with problems related to project deadlines and resource allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But then, they are no strangers to wrestling with problems.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lowe has been wrestling with problems like large account losses and frequent executive reshuffling.

The New York Times

DaimlerChrysler is also wrestling with problems at Mitsubishi, which announced its own turnaround program today.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Pakistan has set up a new anti-terrorist department and plans to regulate religious schools.The Taliban are wrestling with problems of their own.

The Economist

It is Mr Nicholson, widely seen as a capable politician, who must now choose what to cut while also wrestling with problems over orders for new fighter jets and ships.

The Economist

It is as if the author himself is wrestling with problems of dramatisation and truth, and with his own responsibilities to both art and life, but has simply travelled too far along the road to come clean.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Both have wrestled with problems recently.

The New York Times

By day he fixed eyes and in the evening he wrestled with problems that would make a poet weep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the high-value things, the discussions where people transfer knowledge, where they wrestle with problems, will remain concentrated in the classroom.

The Economist

It is a teaching technique in which students break into smaller groups to wrestle with problems and questions, and then bring their findings to the entire class.

The New York Times

But the fantasy is seductive: the writer of the boarding school romp can create a world where children wrestle with problems without the intervention of those who know best.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wrestling with problems", ensure the context clearly indicates a struggle or significant effort to resolve an issue. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.

Common error

Avoid using "wrestling with problems" in contexts where a more direct term like "solving" or "addressing" would be clearer and more appropriate. Overusing figurative language can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrestling with problems" functions as a verbal phrase that describes an ongoing struggle or effort to overcome difficulties. It often emphasizes the intensity and complexity of the situation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wrestling with problems" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys the idea of a sustained and difficult effort to resolve complex issues. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "addressing issues", it adds emphasis to the struggle involved. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register appropriate for various professional settings. When writing, be mindful of avoiding overuse and ensuring that the context justifies the figurative language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grappling with issues

Replaces "problems" with "issues", suggesting a more general concern.

struggling with challenges

Emphasizes the difficulty with the word "challenges".

contending with difficulties

Uses a more formal verb, "contending", to denote dealing with "difficulties".

tackling complex issues

Focuses on actively addressing "complex issues".

addressing thorny questions

Highlights the sensitivity and difficulty of the "questions" being addressed.

confronting predicaments

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the "predicaments".

managing difficult situations

Focuses on the act of "managing" rather than directly struggling.

resolving intricate matters

Highlights the complexity of the "matters" being resolved.

navigating complex scenarios

Suggests a process of finding a path through difficult "scenarios".

handling demanding tasks

Focuses on the effort required to "handle" the tasks.

FAQs

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

You can use "wrestling with problems" to describe a situation where someone is struggling to find solutions or deal with difficult issues. For example: "The company is "wrestling with problems" related to supply chain disruptions".

What are some alternatives to "wrestling with problems"?

Alternatives to "wrestling with problems" include "grappling with issues", "struggling with challenges", or "contending with difficulties". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "wrestling with problems"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the difficulty and effort involved in addressing a particular set of issues. It implies a more intense and prolonged struggle than simply "solving" or "addressing" them.

What is the difference between "wrestling with a problem" and "solving a problem"?

"Wrestling with a problem" suggests a longer, more arduous process, while "solving a problem" implies a more direct and definitive resolution. You might "wrestle with a problem" for a while before you are able to "solve a problem".