What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grapple
Example
The two wrestlers grappled fiercely for the championship title. [grappled: past tense]
Example
I am trying to grapple with the complexities of this math problem. [grapple: verb]
Example
He grappled with the rope to keep it from slipping out of his hands. [grappled: past participle]
tussle
Example
The two boys had a tussle in the playground over a toy. [tussle: noun]
Example
The siblings tussled on the floor, laughing and having fun. [tussled: past tense]
Example
She tried to grab the ball from him, but they ended up in a tussle. [tussle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grapple is more commonly used than tussle in everyday language, especially in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grapple and tussle?
Grapple is more formal than tussle, which is more casual and informal, making it suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts.
